Sandygate Dental has dedicated clinics for the management of temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMD. TMD is a wide range of disorders that affect the jaw joint, disc and muscles, which comes with a multitude of treatment options. Dr Jenny Dorward has training in both dentistry and injectable aesthetic medicine which has led her to develop a keen interest in helping patients with TMD.
The symptoms of TMD include:
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Popping, clicking or grating of your jaw point
- Pain from the jaw area, or generalised discomfort or jaw ache
- Headaches and pain of your jaw muscles
- Clenching and grinding your teeth in the daytime or nighttime (known as bruxism)
- Worn or chipped teeth
How we can help
At a TMD assessment appointment, Dr Dorward will take a full history or your symptoms and journey so far. She will assess your jaw joint, the associated muscles, intraoral signs of bruxism and your occlusion (the way your teeth bite together). It is not a full dental examination, and it is recommended to have recently had a dental checkup (either at Sandygate Dental or your local dentist) to eliminate any other causes of pain.
Treatment options we offer
The treatment options for your jaw pain will be discussed in detail and a shared decision made on which treatment would be the most suitable for your specific condition. Treatment for TMD includes:
1. Stress reduction and cognitive behavioural therapy
Although it is often difficult to determine the sole cause of TMD, it has a close link to stress and anxiety. Addressing the root cause of your jaw pain is often required for long-term management.
2. Thermal treatment
The use of heat, cold or combination of both can be used to reduce joint and muscle pain. Heat increases blood flow to the affected areas to allow healing. Ice can reduce swelling for acute inflammation.
3. Physiotherapy
Some simple self-guided physiotherapy exercises can be used to reduce acute jaw pain through massage and stretch. In some cases, an onward referral to a TMJ specialist physiotherapist is required for manipulation of the muscles or addressing other muscular conditions of the neck and shoulders.
4. Splint therapy
Fabrication of a custom-made nightguard or splint can help to reduce your symptoms and protect your teeth. There are several different types available including soft occlusal splints, bite-raising appliances, retainers, B splints (also known as AMPSA) and Michigan/Tanner appliances. Some appliances work by preventing tooth-to-tooth contacts to reduce the forces on your teeth, whilst some help relax the jaw muscles or position the joint correctly. The most appropriate type of splint will be advised for your condition.
5. Masseter botox injections
Botulinum toxin (commonly known as Botox) can be injected into affected muscles to temporarily relax the muscle and reduce pain. It can also reduce the damage to your teeth due to clenching and grinding. The procedure involves a small number of injections into the masseter muscle and is usually completed within a few minutes in the clinic. A course of 3 sessions is usually advised to prevent the masseter muscle from returning to its full strength once the treatment has worn off. This is caused by muscular atrophy which can make the jawline appear slimmer.
6. Dental treatment
Occasionally TMD symptoms can correlate with a dental malocclusion which may need assessment and treatment with orthodontics and occasionally orthognathic surgery. If this is indicated, Dr Dorward will signpost you to an appropriate dentist for this.
We welcome anyone who is searching for advice and treatment for jaw pain from TMD or has a history of clenching and grinding their teeth to book an assessment at Sandygate Dental. You do not have to be registered as a dental patient with us to benefit.
Ready to book?
You can book your appointment with us online by clicking the ‘book now’ button. Alternatively, you can give our friendly team a call on 01142661265 who will be very happy to help you.
Find out more
We always recommend patients to look for medical information from an impartial source. The Oral Health Foundation is a comprehensive resource which you can access here: