Need TMJ Solutions? Melbourne Dental Sleep Clinic Can Help
Those who have been diagnosed with TMJ disorder (TMD) in Melbourne already know how painful it can be. What may start as soreness in the jaw, can gradually worsen to feel like a severe toothache, headache and earache all rolled into one. If you can relate to this then you are not alone.
While no one knows for sure how many TMJ disorder sufferers there are, it is estimated that approximately 20-30% of the population suffers from the condition. Unfortunately, women are 50% more likely to be diagnosed than men.
What Exactly is the TMJ?
TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is the jaw-joint formed where the lower mandible meets the skull – just in front of the ear. Every person has two jaw-joints – one on each side. Normally the TMJ contains a disc of cartilage which in turn acts as a shock absorber as the mandible and temporal bone work and move together. In addition, a series of muscles, ligaments and tendons all work in harmony to coordinate any movement.
What is TMJ Disorder (TMD) and What Causes It
When people start to experience pain, they may be referred to a TMJ dentist. Melbourne patients will usually be informed that they have some form of damage or misalignment of the TMJ complex. This can cause the TMJ to dislocate, causing changes in the bite. These, in turn, can affect the head and neck leading to both headaches and neck pain. In addition, TMJ problems can also trigger a whole host of other symptoms including:
- Migraine
- Back pain
- Ear pain
- Jaw clicking/locking
- Tinnitus
- Teeth grinding
- Poor sleep/fatigue
Furthermore, the latest research shows a definite link between sleep-related breathing disorders such as sleep apnoea and chronic snoring and in many such cases, the root cause of these issues is in fact TMD.
One such study found that 75% of Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) sufferers also experienced chronic pain relating to TMD.
What is TMJ Disorder (TMD) and What Causes It?
When people start to experience pain, they may be referred to a TMJ dentist. Melbourne patients will usually be informed that they have some form of damage or misalignment of the TMJ complex. This can cause the TMJ to dislocate, causing changes in the bite. These, in turn, can affect the head and neck leading to both headaches and neck pain. In addition, TMJ problems can also trigger a whole host of other symptoms including:
- Migraine
- Back pain
- Ear pain
- Jaw clicking/locking
- Tinnitus
- Teeth grinding
- Poor sleep/fatigue
Furthermore, the latest research shows a definite link between sleep-related breathing disorders such as sleep apnoea and chronic snoring and in many such cases, the root cause of these issues is in fact TMD.
One such study found that 75% of Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) sufferers also experienced chronic pain relating to TMD.
How to Treat TMJ(D) in Melbourne
Ask any dentist who treats the TMJ in Melbourne and they will tell you that it is quite a complex area. As such, a comprehensive diagnosis is usually needed, involving assessing your head, neck, posture and daily routine as well as assessing both your airways and sleep habits.
While a TMJ clinic in Melbourne may refer you to a physician or specialist dentist, a sleep dentist may decide that the best course of action is to look at your sleeping pattern. TMD for example, can bring about teeth grinding, sleep apnoea and migraines – all of which will seriously impact on your ability to get a good night’s sleep.
Our TMJ Treatment in Melbourne
At our Melbourne Dental Sleep Clinic, our TMJ dentist in Melbourne utilises the latest non-surgical TMJ treatment that Melbourne residents can count on.
We use leading-edge oral appliance therapy in the form of mouth orthotics. These are different from conventional mouthguards or splints and are worn during sleep to ease the pressure on the TMJ. Melbourne patients can be assured that wearing it allows them to get the peaceful and trouble-free sleep they so desperately need, and continue on with their daily lives.
Oral appliance therapy is approved by the Australian Dental Association (ADA) and is seen as a good alternative to neuromuscular dentistry.
So Why Pick the Melbourne Dental Sleep Clinic as your Melbourne TMJ Centre of Choice?
We Look at your Body as a Whole
We look at the person as a whole, and try to connect how their TMJ can affect their whole body, and how their overall health (posture, diet, sleep, airway, stress, exercise) can affect their TMJ.
We Understand the Importance of Good Sleep
As a TMJ clinic in Melbourne, we are very experienced in treating people with sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea, chronic snoring and bruxism – many of which are directly related to TMD problems. Dr Teo and the team work exclusively with sleep disorder patients and regularly treat TMD cases so that patients can get a good night’s sleep and therefore lessen the risks of:
- Chronic pain
- Sensitivity to pain
- Further illness and disease.
We Use the Very Latest Oral Appliances
In the past, mouth splints, orthotics and mandibular advancement splints may have been a little bulky and uncomfortable. At the Melbourne dental sleep clinic, we use only the latest 3D-fabricated nylon splints which are more durable, lightweight, and altogether, more comfortable than their acrylic counterparts. As a result, TMJ sufferers in Melbourne can be assured of quality treatment using leading brand appliances.
We Take a Holistic Approach
While we recognise the important link between TMJ issues and other sleep disorders. We are fortunate enough to be surrounded by other health practitioners, physiotherapists, sleep doctors and ENT specialists. As such we will often consult with them to bring about a holistic approach to your treatment for best results.
If you have headaches, a locked jaw, problems sleeping or are experiencing craniofacial pain, then come and speak to the team at the Melbourne Dental Sleep Clinic. We’re highly experienced in treating sleep problems including TMJ disorders. Call us to book a consultation with Dr Teo today!