TMJ Treatment London

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a small but complex joint located in front of the ear, connecting the lower jaw to the skull. It allows the jaw to move up, down, and side to side, enabling chewing, speaking, and yawning. The TMJ includes a cartilage disc that cushions the joint, along with muscles and ligaments that assist its function.

TMJ disorder occurs when the joint, cartilage, or supporting muscles and ligaments are damaged or stressed. This can be due to various factors, including trauma, arthritis, tooth grinding, clenching, or dislocation. Symptoms of TMJ disorder include jaw pain, stiffness, clicking or popping sounds, headaches, and sometimes swelling near the joint. The condition affects about 1 in 10 people during their lifetime and can significantly impact daily activities.

Diagnosis involves a detailed oral and functional examination by a Specialist, potentially using panoramic X-rays or other imaging techniques like 3-D X-rays CBCT – Cone Beam Computed Tomographie) or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). Understanding your social, medical and family history, as well as any past trauma to the face or jaw, is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Treatment may range from simple lifestyle changes, medical interventions to surgical procedures to correct jaw positioning.

Causes & Symptoms

TMJ disorders can stem from several sources, including:

• Tooth Grinding and Clenching: These habits and parafunctions can exert excessive pressure on the TMJ, leading to inflammation and pain.
• Trauma: Injuries to the jaw or head, such as fractures, can directly impact the TMJ or cause misalignment.
• Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the TMJ, causing degeneration or inflammation of the joint.
• Dislocation: The cartilage disc within the joint can slip out of its normal position, resulting in pain and restricted movement.
• Overuse: Excessive use of the jaw muscles, such as chewing gum frequently, can strain the TMJ.
• Dysfunctional bite: Pre-contacts on teeth or wrong tooth contacts when biting together or chewing can force the jaw into a position which in turn can lead to muscle and TMJ stress
• Orthodontic treatment: Some orthodontic treatments lead to a forced retracted position of the lower jaw leading to constant stress on the TMJ and muscles to adapt to the situation
• Deep bite: Similar to the above point patients with a deep bite not only wear their front teeth down quicker, but they also very often are in a forced retracted position of the lower jaw leading to TMJ pain and headaches
• New restorations: New restorations like crowns, bridges, fillings or even dentures can lead to problems as well when the bite is not properly adjusted and balanced.

Symptoms of TMJ disorder vary in severity and can include:

• Jaw Pain: Persistent pain in the jaw joint or surrounding muscles.
• Stiffness: Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully.
• Clicking or Popping Sounds: Noises when moving the jaw, often accompanied by pain.
• Headaches: Frequent headaches, especially in the temples.
• Facial Pain: Discomfort in the face, neck, or shoulders.
• Ear Problems: Ringing in the ears (tinnitus), earaches, or hearing loss.
• Misaligned Bite: Changes in how the upper and lower teeth fit together.

TMJ disorders can significantly impact daily life, making professional diagnosis and treatment essential for relief and improved function. At Wimpole Street Dental Clinic, our expert team is dedicated to providing personalized care to alleviate your TMJ symptoms and enhance your quality of life.

Diagnosis & Treatment for TMJ in London

Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective TMJ treatment. Our specialist Prof. Mehl will conduct a comprehensive oral examination, assessing your jaw joints, facial muscles, and bite alignment and thoroughly investigate possible reasons for your problems. Panoramic x-rays or other advanced imaging techniques may be utilized to obtain a detailed view of your jaw, joints, and soft tissues. Your medical and social history, including any past trauma and family medical history, will also be considered to identify underlying causes and contributing factors.

Treatment

Based on the diagnosis, a personalised treatment plan will be developed. Treatment options include:

• Lifestyle Changes: Simple adjustments like eating softer foods, avoiding gum chewing, and practising stress-reducing techniques can alleviate symptoms.
• Medical Interventions: These may include pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatory medications. Physical therapy exercises can also help strengthen and stabilize the jaw muscles.
• A night guard: A night guard disrupts the nerve response patterns and due to a flat surface allows a more even distribution of pressure and easier movement of the lower jaw. It usually also reestablished canines guidance.
• Muscle relaxation and bite adjustment: We use a Kois-deprogrammer to relax the muscles for a week and then adjust the bite to ensure no pre-contacts are evident and that dynamic function is possible without interference.
• New restorations: In case old restorations are insufficient or the patient has a deep bite, we may need to place new restorations to calibrate the bite or even lift the bite to regain proper function.
• Orthodontic Solutions: In some cases, dental appliances like mouthguards or splints are recommended to prevent tooth grinding and clenching.
• Surgical Options: For severe cases, orthognathic surgery may be necessary to correct jaw misalignment and restore proper function.

At Wimpole Street Dental Clinic, we are dedicated to providing expert TMJ care with personalized treatment plans designed to alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Our experienced team uses the latest diagnostic tools and techniques to ensure you receive the best possible care.

Choose Wimpole Street Dental Clinic for comprehensive TMJ treatment that prioritises your comfort and well-being. Discover relief and regain control of your jaw health with our specialised care.

What to do if you think you have TMJ Disorder?

It can result from various factors, including tooth grinding, trauma, arthritis, and dislocation. If you experience these symptoms, the best course of action is to book a consultation with a dentist. Professional evaluation is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Seeing a dentist for TMJ disorder is crucial because only a professional can accurately diagnose the condition and identify its underlying causes. Dentists use advanced diagnostic tools and techniques to evaluate your symptoms and provide personalized treatment plans. With TMJ problems experience of the dentist is of utmost importance. Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent the disorder from worsening, alleviate pain, and improve jaw function. At Wimpole Street Dental Clinic, our expert team is dedicated to offering comprehensive TMJ care to help you find relief and enhance your quality of life. Book a consultation today to get started.