Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)

Restore Comfort, Reclaim Your Life.

Jaw joint pain, or TMD, is more common than you think, especially for busy professionals. At Dental & Wellness London, based in Islington, we understand how stress, jaw clicking, and headaches can disrupt your daily routine.

Led by Dr Vishal Patel, we offer expert, personalised treatments to help you find lasting relief. We take a holistic approach, considering factors like posture, teeth grinding, stress, and joint function to address the root cause of your discomfort.

With solutions like custom splints, physiotherapy referrals, and ongoing support, we’ll help restore balance to your smile and your life.

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What Is Temporomandibular Disorder? TMD

TMD refers to a group of conditions that affect the The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jaw joint and muscles to the skull, playing a crucial role in jaw function—the hinge connecting your jawbone to your skull. It’s one of the most complex joints in your body.

Problems with this joint can cause:

• Jaw pain or tenderness is often associated with temporomandibular joint disorders and can be evaluated for treatment options

• Neck, shoulder, or facial pain

• Headaches, especially around temples or behind the eyes, can be symptoms and causes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders

• Earaches or ringing in the ears

• Clicking, popping or grinding noises when opening your mouth are common signs of a tmj disorder

• Locking of the jaw or limited movement

What Causes TMD?

TMD can develop from a mix of factors:

Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)

Injury to the jaw or face

Misaligned bite or jaw (malocclusion) can lead to temporomandibular joint dysfunction

Stress and muscle tension

Arthritis or joint inflammation in the jaw joint and muscles can lead to significant discomfort and requires proper treatment

Often, people don’t realise their symptoms are related to their jaw joint until they speak with a dental professional.

Your TMD Assessment at Dental & Wellness

Step 1

Discuss your symptoms and medical history

Step 2

Examine your jaw, bite, and muscles

Step 3

Use imaging (X-rays or scans) if needed

Step 4

Create a personalised treatment plan to ease pain and restore movement for those with TMJ dysfunction

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How We Treat TMD

Depending on your specific condition, we may recommend:

Relaxation techniques – to manage stress and reduce tension

Custom night guards – to reduce clenching/grinding and protect the joint

Bite correction or orthodontics – if your jaw is misaligned, it may contribute to tmj disorder

Jaw exercises and physiotherapy can help alleviate symptoms of tmj disorder – to improve movement and reduce stiffness

Medication – anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants (when appropriate)

Why Choose Dental & Wellness London for TMD?

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, a night guard might be the solution for you:

Gentle, holistic approach that considers your whole wellbeing

Experienced team in managing jaw and facial pain

Wellness-led environment to ease anxiety and stress

Convenient Islington location

Tailored payment plans available

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is TMD?

TMD stands for temporomandibular disorder, a condition that affects the jaw joint (known as the temporomandibular joint or TMJ), as well as the muscles that control jaw movement. People with TMDs, or temporomandibular disorders, are often related to tmj dysfunction. often experience discomfort, pain, or limited movement in the jaw area.

What are the symptoms of TMD?

Symptoms of TMD may include jaw Pain, clicking or popping sounds when you move your lower jaw can indicate tmj dysfunction. open or close your mouth, difficulty chewing, stiffness in the jaw muscles, and even lead to tmj dysfunction if left untreated. facial pain. Some people also feel earaches or headaches due to temporomandibular stress.

What causes temporomandibular disorders?

Temporomandibular disorders can be caused by clenching or grinding (also known as bruxism), misalignment of the teeth or jaw, injury to the joint, stress or conditions like arthritis. Repeated habits such as chewing gum excessively or biting nails may also contribute to jaw clicking and other TMJ symptoms.

How is TMD diagnosed?

A dentist will examine your jaw, listen for joint noises when you open your mouth or chew, and may request X-rays or imaging scans of your temporomandibular joint. Diagnosis is based on your symptoms and clinical evaluation of the TMJ and surrounding jaw muscles. We look for disorders of the jaw muscle.

What treatments are available for TMD?

TMD treatment varies based on severity. Options include wearing a custom mouthguard to treat tmj disorder. A mouthguard may be used to reduce clenching/grinding associated with tmj dysfunction. Clenching, physical therapy, jaw exercises, anti-inflammatory medications and relaxation techniques all make tmd and tmj pain ease. Severe cases may require dental adjustments or surgical consultation. Treatment may relieve pain.

Is a splint helpful for jaw pain caused by TMD?

Yes, a splint (or occlusal guard) helps cushion the jaw joint, reduces stress from clenching and helps realign the jaw. It’s often used at night to ease pressure from bruxism and protect the TMJs.

Can TMD be linked to arthritis?

Yes, arthritis—especially osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis—can affect the temporomandibular joint, causing inflammation, stiffness and pain during movement. If you have arthritis and jaw discomfort, a dentist or specialist may evaluate for symptoms and causes related to temporomandibular joint disorders.

What happens if I leave TMD untreated?

If left untreated, TMD can worsen over time, leading to chronic jaw Pain, damage to the jaw joint and muscles. This can result from untreated TMJ disorders and may require specialized treatment. Joint, muscle fatigue, and difficulty eating or speaking can be symptoms of a temporomandibular joint disorder. Early management can prevent long-term issues with the jaw joint.

Can physical therapy help with TMD?

Yes, physical therapy is a key part of managing temporomandibular disorders. Exercises that stretch and strengthen the jaw muscles, along with manual therapy and posture correction, can greatly reduce TMD Symptoms of tmj dysfunction can cause pain and discomfort.

Should I avoid certain foods with TMD?

It’s best to avoid hard, chewy or crunchy foods if you have TMD. These increase strain on your jaw and temporomandibular joint. Soft foods, cut into small pieces make chewing easier and reduce pressure on the joint.

What is the exact cause of TMD?

The exact cause of this disorder isn’t always clear. In many cases, TMD may result from multiple factors, such as strain on the jaw joints and the muscles that control jaw movement, displacement of the jaw joint, or differences in TMJ structure and mechanics. Jaw joint disks can also cause TMD pain, especially if they become misaligned or eroded.

What are the symptoms of TMD?

Symptoms of TMD may look like other conditions and can vary from mild to severe. Common signs include:
Tenderness in your jaw
Pain in the side of your jaw, side of your face, or front of each ear
Clicking, popping, or grinding in the joint area
Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth
Neck and shoulder pain

How do the jaw joints function and how does TMD affect them?

The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) connect your lower jaw to your skull, located at the base of the skull near the front of your ear—one on each side of your head. TMD may affect how these joints function, particularly when there's a dislocated jaw or displaced disk, or when there are differences in the TMJ structure.

Can disks in the jaw joint cause TMD?

Yes. The joint disks can also cause TMD when they move out of alignment or deteriorate. This can also cause TMD pain and affect how the joints in the body—especially the jaw—function.

What are some possible causes of TMD?

Causes include:
Dislocated jaw or displaced disk
Clenching or grinding your teeth
Trauma to the jaw
Stress, which may cause tension in the jaw joints and the muscle
Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, which may increase the risk of developing chronic TMD

Can TMD occur without treatment?

Yes. TMD can sometimes improve without treatment, especially if symptoms are mild. However, chronic or worsening symptoms may require professional care to relieve TMD symptoms and prevent long-term damage.

How is TMD treated?

TMD treated may include:
Lifestyle changes such as ways to relax or relax your jaw
Physical therapy and jaw exercises
Use of mouthguards or splints
Medications for inflammation and pain
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) therapy
TMJ arthroscopy or surgery for TMDs in severe cases
Consult your healthcare provider to find a treatment plan tailored to your condition

Is there official information on TMD?

Yes. You can find trustworthy information through the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, which is part of the Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Health. They provide detailed information on temporomandibular disorders, including causes, symptoms, and treatment options. The website is here:
https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tmd

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"Brilliant care and treatment by Dr Patel who answered any questions or concerns that I had. He did a really thorough and great job for a much needed treatment. Very happy to find a skilled and professional dentist in London again!"

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"I came to Dental & Wellness Islington to sort out my teeth and ended up going with Invisalign. The orthodontist was brilliant, really took the time to explain all my options without pushing anything on me. I’ve been wearing the aligners for a few months now, and it’s amazing to see how much progress I’ve already made."

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"I’m halfway through my Invisalign treatment here, and I can’t believe how smooth the process has been. The scans and check-ups are super thorough, so I always feel like I’m in good hands!"

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Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)

What Is Temporomandibular Disorder? TMD

What Causes TMD?

Your TMD Assessment at Dental & Wellness

How We Treat TMD

Why Choose Dental & Wellness London for TMD?

Let’s Ease Your Jaw Pain—Together

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TMD?

What are the symptoms of TMD?

What causes temporomandibular disorders?

How is TMD diagnosed?

What treatments are available for TMD?

Is a splint helpful for jaw pain caused by TMD?

Can TMD be linked to arthritis?

What happens if I leave TMD untreated?

Can physical therapy help with TMD?

Should I avoid certain foods with TMD?

What is the exact cause of TMD?

What are the symptoms of TMD?

How do the jaw joints function and how does TMD affect them?

Can disks in the jaw joint cause TMD?

What are some possible causes of TMD?

Can TMD occur without treatment?

How is TMD treated?

Is there official information on TMD?

HEAR IT FROM OUR HAPPY CUSTOMERS

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