Tailored Solutions For TMJ Disorder in Ballarat

Do you experience jaw pain? Does your jaw lock or click when you chew or yawn? These may be signs that you have temporomandibular joint disorder, commonly known as TMD. This common dental problem affects up to 12% of the population in Australia and is most often seen in adults. While your temporomandibular joint is small, the slightest dysfunction or aggravation of the soft tissues within it or muscles surrounding it can cause you significant discomfort.

Whilst TMD is a common disorder, it can be difficult to find a dentist who can help you in this area. That’s where we come in. If you need TMD treatment in Ballarat or surrounds, Dana Street Dental has you covered.

What Causes TMD

Many factors can contribute to TMD and sometimes the root cause may never be identifiable. If you have TMD, in most cases your joint is misaligned and, as a result, not functioning optimally. Here are some of the factors that may cause this to happen:

Symptoms of TMD

Like TMD causes, the symptoms of this condition can present in many ways. Because of this, TMD can be hard to diagnose without seeking professional dental or medical attention. When patients turn to our Ballarat dental practice for help with TMD treatment, it’s normally because they’re suffering from one or more of the following symptoms:

These are all common signs of TMD, but they may also be warning signs of other oral health problems. So, if you experience any one of them, it’s essential to seek dental care.

Treating TMD in Ballarat

Our Ballarat dentists have helped many patients with their TMD. They have built a reputation for their knowledge and experience within this field.

At Dana Street Dental, our dentists take the time to get to know you. TMD can be a result of certain aspects of your lifestyle or other health issues. So, a deep understanding of your social and medical history is needed to provide you with the best TMD treatment.

In some cases, temporomandibular disorders can resolve themselves given time. However, other cases are long-term and need treatment for relief. Dana Street Dental can provide you with a personalised TMD treatment plan which may consist of one or more of the following:

A Custom Bite Splint

If the cause of your TMD is a result of teeth grinding, your dentist may recommend a custom bite splint as a suitable treatment option for you. A custom bite splint is worn in your mouth like a mouthguard during the night while you sleep. Though this oral appliance doesn’t “cure” teeth grinding, it helps to prevent the symptoms of it.

Medication

There is currently no medication that can cure TMD, but there are options for medication to manage your symptoms. Depending on your specific case of TMD, your dentist may prescribe you anti-inflammatories, painkillers or muscle relaxants.

Alignment Correction for Your Teeth or Jaw

If the cause of your TMD is a result of an uneven bite, your dentist may focus on treatment options that involve improving the way your teeth fit together. There are a few methods for alignment correction. These may include reducing the size of fillings or restoring teeth that are worn or damaged. In cases of major misalignment or an under or overbite, orthodontic treatment may be recommended.

Adjunct therapy and JOINT SURGERY

At Dana Street Dental, our dentists have had further training in the field of head and neck trigger point injections as well as application of BOTOX ®️️️️️️ in jaw muscles to further ease discomfort. In most cases, patients can manage their TMD without the need for surgical treatment. However, in severe cases of TMD, where all other treatment avenues have been exhausted, temporomandibular joint surgery may be a treatment option for you. In this case, our Ballarat dentists can refer you to a temporomandibular joint disorder specialist.

A Friendly and Professional Dental Team Headed by Local Dentists

Our Dana Street Dental team aims to make your experience at the dentist an inspiring one, every time. With our gentle manner and years of experience, our Ballarat dental team strive to provide you and your family with the very best of dental care.