TMJ Syndrome and Treatments Offered

Jaw feeling tense or sore?

You may be experiencing TMJ syndrome.

Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ) is a commonly diagnosed problem. Patients primarily experience pain in the part of the face where the jawbone is connected to the skull, affecting their ability to eat and speak at times.

When left untreated TMJ syndrome can progressively get worse, making it harder to treat and cause chronic migraines.

What is TMJ Syndrome?

TMJ, short for Temporomandibular Joint, is the joint connecting your jawbone to your skull. It plays a pivotal role in various activities like eating, speaking, and facial expressions.

When this joint malfunctions, it leads to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, often characterized by pain, discomfort, and a restricted range of motion.

A man holding his left cheek, looking in pain.
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TMJ Syndrome Symptoms

Jaw Pain

Patients often experience pain and tenderness in the jaw area, especially when chewing or opening their mouth widely.

Headaches

TMJ disorders can cause frequent headaches, often mistaken for tension or migraines.

Clicking or Popping Sounds

Clicking or popping noises in the jaw joint during movement are common signs of TMJ dysfunction.

Facial Pain

Discomfort can extend to the face, causing pain around the cheeks, ears, or temples.

Locking Jaw

In severe cases, the jaw may lock in an open or closed position, making it difficult to speak or eat.

TMJ Diagnosis

Proper diagnosis is crucial for effective TMJ treatment. Our skilled dental professionals at Auckland Family Dental employ a comprehensive approach to identify TMJ disorders. This includes: 

Clinical Examination

We start by conducting a thorough clinical examination, assessing your jaw's range of motion and any discomfort you may be experiencing. 

Imaging

In some cases, we may recommend X-rays or other imaging techniques to get a detailed view of your jaw joint and surrounding structures. 

Dental History

We'll discuss your dental history and any previous TMJ-related issues, as well as any habits that may contribute to your symptoms.

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Payment Plans

Explore your payment plan options below or reach out to our friendly team for more information. We also have received 5-star reviews on Google, which is a testament to our quality service.

Interest-Free Payment Plan Options:

  • Q Card or Q Mastercard: Ideal for treatments over $500, offering 18 months of interest-free payments. This allows you to receive the necessary treatment without an immediate financial burden.

  • Zip Interest-Free: If your treatment costs are under $800, Zip is an excellent choice. You can spread the cost over 4 fortnightly payments with no interest or additional fees.

  • WINZ Support: For those with limited income or receiving benefits, Work and Income (WINZ) can provide financial support for dental treatment. We offer quotes for you to take to WINZ, and once your treatment cost is covered, we can begin the treatment, typically within 2-3 days.

Don't let financial worries hold you back from maintaining your oral health.

TMJ Treatment NZ

Depending on the severity of the case, the dentist can treat the patient in several different methods.

Ranging from conservative TMJ treatment such as muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory medications to dental devices (braces or mouth-guards) and oral surgery, we provide a variety of treatment options for you.

Lifestyle Modifications

In many cases, making simple lifestyle changes can significantly improve TMJ symptoms. Our experts will guide you on:
Diet: Recommending soft or easy-to-chew foods to reduce jawstrain.
Stress Management: Techniques to minimize teeth clenching and grinding, often linked to TMJ issues.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy exercises can help improve jaw mobility and reduce pain. Our therapists will design a personalized plan to address your specific needs. This is a conservative TMJ treatment that can promote proper alignment and enhance overall jaw function.

Oral Appliances

Custom-fitted oral appliances, such as splints or nightguards, can alleviate TMJ symptoms by preventing teeth grinding and promoting proper jaw alignment

Medications

In some cases, medications like pain relievers or muscle relaxants may be prescribed to manage pain and inflammation

Surgical Intervention

For severe TMJ cases that do not respond to conservative treatments, surgical options may be considered. Our experienced oral surgeons will discuss these options in detail if necessary.

Have Questions?

It's important to remember that TMJ syndrome can be effectively managed and treated with the right care and attention.

If you're experiencing any symptoms or discomfort related to your jaw joint, don't hesitate to seek professional guidance and explore the available treatment options.

By taking proactive steps and making lifestyle adjustments, you can improve your quality of life and alleviate the challenges associated with TMJ syndrome.

Contact us to book an appointment.

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Patient Testimonials

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Amber H.

I don't usually place reviews unless I feel the need to.

I took my daughter here today for her first consultation for braces and oh my goodness. What an awesome team!

They made my daughter (who was naturally a little nervous) feel so relaxed (..and not to mention made my little one happy by making small talk with her)

Can't wait to start with my daughters braces treatment. Affordable treatment plans, good location, great parking and a very friendly team.

Keep up the good work! Highly recommended to all.

A 5-star rating.

Terry D.

The entire experience I had with the team from booking through to consult was fantastic...

Have you ever been to the dentist and feel you aren't being given all the information you need to make an informed decision about how to proceed moving forward? I have. BUT this is a dental practice you can trust.

He walked me through the options step by step, risk assessing each and really helped me decide on what was best for me.

I cannot rate these guys enough... Incredible dental practice. Thanks very much!

A 5-star rating.

Jessica K.

I've finally found my forever dentist.

The staff are incredible (Dentist, Admin & Support), the clinic is itself is so welcoming and the level of care is second to none.

I will be recommending your practice to all.

Thank you so much for an incredible service.

A 5-star rating.