If you are suffering from headaches or other facial-related pain you could suffer from TMD. Our dentists are skilled in its diagnosis and treatment and may well be able to help treat its cause.

The temporomandibular joint is referred to as simply TMJ. When we talk about issues in this area, we are referring to TMD which refers to temporomandibular joint dysfunction (sometimes called temporomandibular joint disorder). All these acronyms have led to some confusion, often when someone says they suffer from TMJ they really mean they suffer from TMD.

To begin with, you can identify the TMJ by placing your fingers on your jawline just in front of your earlobes. When your jaw opens and closes you can feel the movement of the temporomandibular joints.

Diagnosis of TMD can be difficult due to its numerous causes and symptoms. A systematic approach must be performed by your Superior Smiles dentist to rule out all possible causes before treatment can be commenced. Our dentists will normally coordinate with other healthcare professionals to prepare a treatment plan so that all aspects of the problem, being physical and/or emotional are dealt with.

Patients will be referred to a general medical practioner to exclude it being a medical problem if it does not appear to be a dental problem.

    
 
 
        
   William Golding 
 3. March, 2022.
 
 
  Really impressed by this place, Dr. Jeremy and Courtney were amazing, fixed a chipped tooth flawlessly, and all staff have been really nice on all occasions. Recommend this Dentist!
  
 
       
   robbruce 
 5. February, 2022.
 
 
  Superior Smiles was a great experience, the expertise displayed around the fitting and ongoing care of braces was exceptional to say the least, great caring nature of the whole team shown throughout the journey.
I highly recommend this Dental Clinic to anyone doing the Braces journey.

Rob Bruce
  
 
       
   Len R 
 7. May, 2021.
 
 
  After not being to a dentist in many years, I tried to research dentists in my local area and came across the amazing reviews for Superior Smiles and decided to book an appointment with Dr. Rani. I was so happy with the service I received- all the staff were extremely friendly and professional. I felt like I was in very good hands with Dr. Rani, who talked me through every stage of the appointment step by step, in a clear and gentle manner. I have already booked my next appointment to have some minor work done, as I am extremely happy to return to this dentist. Thank you Dr. Rani and team :)
  
 
       
   Robyn McLeod 
 8. April, 2021.
 
 
  After experiencing terrible episode with dentist many years ago, I have always kept a wide berth and only go when I am in extreme pain. Had my first visit with Dr Rani  and she was just wonderful, explained everything as she was going I was made aware of cost  and given the option to proceed.
Was very caring and I had no pain what so ever , I still have a couple of more visits to go however no more fear  and for the first time in many years had experience a comfortable time at the dentist. For people who have a morbid fear I can assure you it will be gone after you experience a visit with Dr Rani staff are also wonderful, I will follow up with the six monthly check ups  as required without hesitation. Highly recommend this practice for people who are experiencing anxiety
  
 
       
   Marie-Claire Doren 
 10. February, 2021.
 
 
  Very clear information during and after treatment. Doctor Rani is gentle, kind and special for patients with fear of the dentist .. recommended 100%
  
 
       
   Lola McMechan 
 15. January, 2021.
 
 
  Dr Rani and their team are so kind and professional! My visit was the best experience I have had at any dental clinic. I highly recommend and I can't wait to go back ????.

Lola
  
 
       
   Claire Martin 
 10. December, 2020.
 
 
  I went to get a broken filling/tooth repaired. They fitted me in even though they were busy. The tooth has been filled and I'm very happy with the job done. Dentist was very thorough and willing to answer questions. Chris
  
 
       
   Shaun Kirkby 
 5. November, 2020.
 
 
  Out of towner's looking for a Dentist and this place came recommended.......and indeed it is a very good Dentist, great professional service, it's a thumbs up from me.

What are the symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction?

Symptoms may include the following:

sore jaws
neck and back pain
ear aches or ringing ears
headaches or migraines
sinus problems
toothaches
teeth that don't feel like they are biting correctly
pain when chewing or yawning
limited opening of the jaws
pain on opening or closing of the jaw
facial tension
clicking jaw
locked jaw

What are the causes of TMJ Dysfunction?

The causes of TMD are numerous with many causes being responsible:

grinding and or clenching of the teeth
stress: emotional and/or physical
dental fillings not properly adjusted
bad occlusion
injuries to the jaw joint
autoimmune disorders (such as osteo or rheumatoid arthritis)
anatomical deformities.
ear infections

Treatment of TMJ Dysfunction

If symptoms are acute (very painful or can’t open jaw), these will be dealt with immediately using medication, an occlusal splint (see below), and/or physiotherapy. After dealing with the acute symptoms the patient is then treated as a chronic (long-term, non-severe) sufferer.

Resolve all dental infections

Repair any abscess, caries or gum issues.

Occlusal splint therapy (appliance therapy)

An occlusal splint works by preventing your teeth from touching each other. As the muscle memory in your jaw relaxes these muscles become reprogrammed without the stress and tension. This helps to overcome bruxism (grinding your teeth) and often reduces headaches. They are similar to a mouthguard in appearance and are worn during sleep to prevent the pain and discomfort associated with nocturnal bruxism.

Soft diet

Acute sufferers are recommended to eat with their splint in place until symptoms are relieved. Non-acute sufferers are advised of the problems associated with chewing gum and hard diets (eg nuts, bones), and it is recommended that hard foods are temporarily removed from the diet.

Heat packs applied to the area for symptom relief

Physiotherapy

Your Superior Smiles dentist can give you exercises to help relax your jaw muscles.

Myotherapy

A trained myotherapist who has expertise in massaging the area can offer great muscular relief. Some medical specialists believe that muscular tension in other areas of your body can have a knock-on effect thus causing TMD, so in some cases, a complete body assessment is highly recommended.

Stress Management

There are many possibilities in our modern medical world to help relieve stress, such as yoga, naturopathic remedies and counselling. Sometimes the patient must try several options until they find one that suits them.

Facial Injectables

Dentists in Australia have been allowed to use this for TMD for many years now with excellent results. Dr Gopal has completed additional studies on this in this area of treatment and has advanced knowledge in how to use it and where it is appropriate.

Orthodontia or Maxillofacial Surgery

Surgery is always the last option and is only recommended once all other possibilities have been exhausted.

TMJ Dysfunction (TMD)