TMD treatment in Sheffield

What is TMD and TMJ?

Your temporomandibular joint is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull – it is this joint that enables the movement of your jaw up and down and left and right, to allow for chewing, yawning and talking. Any problems that occur with this particular part of the skull are given the name temporomandibular disorders (TMD). These are also sometimes called TMJ dysfunction, referring to temporomandibular joint.

Pain in this part of your jaw is particularly common. Around 30 percent of adults will experience it at some point in their lifetimes, and usually it will go away of its own accord.

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Symptoms of TMD/TMJ

Muscle pain in and around your jaw
A clicking or popping sound as you chew or move the jaw
Pain in front of your ear that may move to your cheek and temple
Headaches and migraines
Earache, a buzzing sound or a blocked feeling
Tight or locked jaw

Pain in your jaw

For those who suddenly develop pain in this area, it is difficult to determine the cause. Usually the symptoms of TMD are short-lived, and in most cases any pain will disappear of its own accord. TMD can be caused by bruxism (clenching and grinding of the the teeth and jaw) or an uneven bite. Wear and tear to the internal joint can cause pain and irritation, and you may even find that you are holding tension in your jaw due to stress. Sometimes TMD may be easily identifiable as the direct result of an injury, such as following surgery or an external blow to the jaw, or a specific disease such as arthritis, gout or fibromyalgia.

Assessing your jaw

You dentist will feel your jaw as you open and close it to assess the range of movement. They may press on the sides of you face and cheek to check for any pain when pressure is applied. Following this an x-ray or CT scan may be required to provide a comprehensive view of your entire jaw and teeth, and to see if there is any visible damage.

What you can do at

Should you be experiencing irritation from TMD, there are a number of adaptations you can make to make your life more comfortable until the pain subsides.

Try these five steps to a more relaxed jaw:

Take a flannel and run it under a hot tap. Press the hot flannel to your jaw and hold it there. Follow this with a simple massage of the face and jaw.
Eat soft foods that are easy on this ‘chewing muscle’ and put a stop to chewing gum for the time being.
Try not to clench or bite down too hard, and similarly avoid stretching the jaw too wide.
Practice some relaxation techniques, which may help relieve tension held in your jaw.
Simple jaw exercises can help strengthen the muscle and loosen stiff jaws. Your local Sheffield dentist can advise on suitable exercises.

In practice procedures

Your Portman Dental & Implant Clinic dentist will discuss your concerns and history of TMD. Should you come to us with persistent pain, they may offer you one of a range of options to tackle the problem.

Mouthguard's or splints can sometimes be made up specially to fit your mouth, in order to take the pressure away from any biting or grinding. If this is causing the problem, relieving the tension may help diminish the pain.

Painkillers such as ibuprofen, codeine or paracetamol can also help with the immediate pain.

If you have very severe and persistent issues with TMD, we may refer you to an oral or maxillofacial surgeon to discuss wider treatment options.

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