Bayswater Family Dental

Exceptional Family Dentistry Made Simple

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(02) 6682 2887

Comprehensive Dentistry for Bayswater Families

2 Beechboro Road South, Bayswater, WA, 6053

Bayswater Family Dental > Services > Treatment for TMJ and Bruxism

Dr. Fine offers reliable solutions for tooth clenching, grinding and jaw joint (TMJ) discomfort.

Treatment for TMJ and Bruxism

Do you wake up with jaw pain, headaches or sore teeth? You might be experiencing temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) or bruxism (teeth grinding).

At Bayswater Family Dental, Dr Russell Fine understands how these conditions can significantly impact your daily life and is committed to providing effective, gentle treatment to help families in Bayswater find lasting relief.

Understanding TMJ Disorders and Bruxism

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are the hinges that connect your jawbone to your skull, allowing you to speak, chew and yawn. When these joints become dysfunctional, it results in TMD, causing pain and limiting jaw movement.

Bruxism, the habit of tooth grinding or clenching, often occurs unconsciously during sleep or times of stress and can contribute to TMD while causing significant tooth damage.

These conditions frequently occur together and can be triggered by stress, misaligned teeth, arthritis, jaw injuries or poor posture. Left untreated, they can lead to chronic pain, tooth damage and reduced quality of life.

Recognising TMD Symptoms

Many people suffer from TMD symptoms without realising the connection to their jaw joints. Common signs include:

Jaw Pain

Persistent aching or sharp pain in the jaw joint area, particularly around the ear and when chewing or speaking.

Popping or Clicking

Audible sounds when opening or closing your mouth, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of the jaw catching or locking.

Limited Movement

Difficulty opening your mouth fully or experiencing your jaw getting stuck in an open or closed position.

Chronic Headaches

Frequent tension headaches, particularly in the morning, are often mistaken for migraines or stress-related headaches.

Ear Ache

Aching around the ears or a feeling of fullness, despite no ear infection being present.

Muscle Fatigue

Tired, sore facial muscles, especially after eating or talking for extended periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between TMJ and TMD?

Many patients at Bayswater Family Dental ask Dr Fine about the difference between TMJ and TMD, as these terms are often used interchangeably but actually refer to different things. Understanding this distinction can help you communicate more effectively about jaw-related concerns and better understand your treatment options.

Understanding Your Jaw Joint

Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the actual joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull. Everyone has two TMJ joints, located just in front of each ear. These joints work together to allow you to open and close your mouth, chew, speak and yawn.

TMD, on the other hand, stands for temporomandibular disorder, which refers to problems or dysfunction affecting the TMJ joints, surrounding muscles or both. When people say they have 'TMJ problems,' they're actually referring to TMD.

Common TMD symptoms that Dr Fine diagnosis and treats include:

Jaw pain or tenderness — Pain in the TMJ, neck or facial muscles that may worsen with chewing or speaking
Joint clicking or popping — Noises when opening or closing your mouth, which may or may not be accompanied by pain
Limited jaw movement — Difficulty opening your mouth fully or jaw locking in open or closed positions
Headaches or earaches — Pain that radiates from the jaw area to surrounding regions, often mistaken for other conditions
Facial muscle fatigue — Tired feeling in jaw muscles, particularly after eating or talking for extended periods

At our Bayswater dental practice, Dr Fine employs comprehensive examination techniques to diagnose TMD and develop effective treatment plans accurately. Treatment options range from simple lifestyle modifications and custom night guards to more advanced therapies, depending on the severity and underlying cause of your TMD symptoms.

Our Comprehensive Treatment Approach

Dr Fine takes a thorough approach to diagnosing TMD and bruxism, examining your jaw joints, bite alignment and muscle tension. He'll discuss your symptoms, lifestyle factors and stress levels to develop a personalised treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.

TMJ treatment options in Bayswater may include custom-fitted night guards to protect your teeth from grinding, bite adjustment therapy to improve jaw alignment, stress management techniques, and exercises to strengthen and relax jaw muscles. For severe cases, we may recommend referral to specialists for advanced treatment options.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Addressing TMD and bruxism early can prevent serious complications such as severe tooth wear, cracked teeth, receding gums and chronic pain conditions. Many patients experience significant improvement with conservative treatments, particularly when these are combined with lifestyle modifications and stress-reduction techniques.

OUR TEAM

Dr Russell Fine BDSc GradDipDent MScMed

Dr Russell Fine is a highly experienced and friendly dentist who brings a calm and caring approach to his work, creating a warm and welcoming environment for all patients at Bayswater Family Dental. He strives to provide an easy, approachable treatment experience, no matter how small or large the case may be.

Education and Professional Development

Originally born in Cardiff, Wales, Dr Fine moved to Australia as a child and has built an impressive career in dentistry. He initially graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science before discovering his passion for ...

Custom Night Guards: Your First Line of Defence

One of the most effective treatments we offer is custom-made night guards. Unlike over-the-counter options, our professionally fitted guards are designed specifically for your mouth, providing optimal comfort and protection whilst you sleep. They cushion your teeth from grinding forces and help position your jaw in a more relaxed position.

Living Pain-Free

You don't have to accept jaw pain and teeth grinding as part of life. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most patients experience significant relief from TMD and bruxism symptoms. Contact Bayswater Family Dental today to schedule a consultation with Dr Russell Fine and take the first step towards a more comfortable, pain-free life.

Treatment for TMJ and Bruxism Technology

Digital X-Rays

Our advanced digital radiography system revolutionises diagnostic imaging at Bayswater Family Dental. Digital x-rays produce incredibly detailed images instantly, allowing Dr Fine to detect issues earlier and with greater precision than traditional film x-rays.

These state-of-the-art images reduce radiation exposure by up to 90 per cent compared to conventional methods, making them safer for patients of all ages. The immediate results mean faster diagnoses and treatment planning, whilst the enhanced image quality enables more accurate detection of cavities, bone loss and other dental conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed.