020 8715 9970
We always welcome your enquiries, questions and feedback regarding our services, appointments, emergencies or any dental related subjects.
We look forward to hearing from you soon and that we will have the opportunity to see you in person at our dental practice.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
What is TMD? The temporomandibular joint is the hinge that the lower jaw moves on. Therefore, TMD stands for tempormandibular disorder. Today it is widely believed that most joint problems are commonly a result of problems elsewhere in the bite (occlusion) or muscles. The condition should be treated in the most conservative manner (surgery is a last resort) and without drugs whenever possible.
Signs and Symptoms of TMD
Pain or dysfunction of the head and neck is a very common condition and one that might be resolved very simply or might be very complex and frustrating to treat, depending upon the circumstances.
Since there is a relationship between the teeth, jaw joints, head and neck muscles, and head posture, a problem in any one of these areas may affect others. These can include headaches, jaw joint pain, jaw joint noise or clicking, limited mouth opening, ear congestion, dizziness, ringing in the ears, difficulty swallowing, loose teeth, clenching or grinding, facial pain, sensitive teeth, chewing difficulties, neck pain, postural problem, tingling of the finger tips, hot and cold sensitivity of teeth, nervousness or insomnia.
In addition we look for a number of signs in your posture, appearance and condition of your teeth, and existing bite that might aid in diagnosis. An imperfect bite often plays a significant role in these conditions. However, diagnosing these problems can be very difficult at times and may require the collective efforts of your dentist and other health care professionals.
The Dentists Diagnosis
We consider all of the information gathered by taking your history and doing a physical examination of your teeth, head and neck. Data from these tests will indicate whether your bite is a major factor to your problem and will help rule in or out your bite as the cause of, or major component of, your condition.
If these tests show that your bite is a probable cause of your condition or pain, we then identify a jaw position and find the perfect solution to your individual situation.
If you suspect that you might have problems in this area then please call us on:
02087159970
We would be happy to discuss the problem in more detail, or book an appointment with our TMD / TMJ specialist Dr Kamburov.
Diagnostic Tools
Computerised Mandibular Scanning or Jaw Tracking allows to measure and study the pattern of the jaw opening and closing through it's full range of motion. Electromyography (EMG) tests provide information on the activity of key muscles that control the jaw during various functions as well as at rest.
Sonography is a way to assess the status of the articular disc which is within the joint and joint function. This information is used in assisting the diagnosis and to help determine the precise point at which your jaw should be in relation to your upper teeth. Rather than relying on your present jaw position as being the best for you, this additional objective information is used to determine if your bite should be left as is or be adjusted to a more optimal occlusion.
Once the dentist has determined where your new bite should be, you will be given a plastic appliance to keep your bite in its new position. You may wear this orthotic as an interim step to a more permanent treatment.
Getting Your Bite Right
We record the relaxed jaw position of you jaw. After this the dentist can compare your usual occlusion (bite) with the relaxed jaw position to evaluate if your jaw is presently in a near optimal position and determine whether the occlusion should be adjusted.
Headaches
Headaches are generally classified into several basic types:
Sinus
Cluster
Tension
Migraine
While headaches are typically treated by your doctor, improper occlusion (bite) may play a significant role in certain types of headaches as well as other head and neck pain.
Headaches and your bite
The muscles of the temple area of the forehead are muscles that play an important part in the posturing and closing of the jaw. If your occlusion (bite) is not right, it can lead to abnormal tension in these muscles- one of the several possible causes of tension type headaches. If the bite is not corrected, the muscles may remain tense for long periods of time. The contracted muscles does not get a chance to rest and soon suffers from poor circulation- thus a lack of needed oxygen and the accumulation of waste products of metabolism. The result can be pain (headache).
Dental treatment of Headaches
If the indications are that your bite is a major factor, your dentist may recommend provisional or interim treatment. This involves fabrication of a custom made orthodontic appliances. Thus will be a plastic appliance that is worn over your teeth to adjust your bite to a correct relationship. At this point, nothing permanent is done to alter your teeth or your bite. You would wear this appliance for a period of time to make sure the new bite position is correct.
After having worn the provisional appliance for some time, both you are your dentist will know for sure if the new bite position has resolved the problem. After this you will have several options open to you for long term treatment.
Some of the options may include dental treatment to permanently alter your bite to the new position, fabrication of a more permanent type of orthotic, or using a device to relax the muscles at times that the headaches are most bothersome.
TMJ / TMD Treatment, Jaw ache solutions at Poplar Dental in South West London
Functional Jaw Orthodontic Therapy can treat:
Migraines and Headaches
Jaw Joint Problems
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
Occlusion (The way the upper and lower teeth come together)
Since there is a relationship between the teeth, jaw joints, head and neck muscles, and head posture, a problem in any one of these areas may affect others. These can include:
Jaw joint pain
Jaw joint noise or clicking
Limited mouth opening
Ear congestion
Dizziness
Ringing in the ears
Difficulty swallowing
Loose teeth
Clenching or grinding
Facial pain
Sensitive teeth
Chewing difficulties
Neck pain and postural problems
Tingling of the finger tips
Hot and cold sensitivity of teeth
Nervousness or insomnia
