Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder is a problem that can be a cause of crippling pain and distress to those who have to endure its negative effects.

Acute tension type head and jaw aches are a common occurrence in TMJ sufferers and can be the result of a number of factors, including the clenching, grinding and straining of the muscles and joints around the face and mouth. The jaw may also be affected by injury, or other problems forming from the development of an incorrect bite, severe stress or even nail-biting.

In severe cases the jaw can become locked and the resulting treatment that is needed to solve the issue sought for swift effect. In these cases the individual may become restricted in their ability open their mouth wide, due to disc displacement, and after time the jaw may develop a muscle spasm.

Immediate help in the efforts to reduce pain from TMJ symptoms includes resting of the jaw joint where possible and the avoidance of tough foods that require intensive chewing, however, a number of options exist in the longer term treatment of TMJ.

Not all TMJ symptoms present extreme pain or displacement, but do however, still present the ongoing effects of tension and headaches in varying degrees of severity.

Here at Dr Hever’s dental practice we can offer you number of potential solutions, in our efforts to alleviate your TMJ related trauma which can include the wearing of night guards or oral splints which can serve to effectively reduce grinding and prevent the jaw from worsening in its degree of pain and displacement.