Neuromuscular Dentistry can help to relieve your headaches and jaw pain and improve your quality of life.

Lady suffering from tmj l dentist melbourne

Questions?

Treating TMJ, Facial Pain & Headaches in Melbourne's CBD

Neuromuscular Dentistry is an area of Dental Medicine which evaluates and treats how your muscles, teeth and joints all work together. It can be an effective approach for the management of headaches, migraines and other forms of chronic pain.

Do the muscles in your neck and shoulders often feel tight?
Do you deal with the pain of frequent headaches or migraines?
Do you grind your teeth while you sleep?
Do you feel discomfort in your jaw or pain behind your eyes?

Any or all of these symptoms can be caused by an imbalance or dysfunction in the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ), and this chronic condition is known as Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD).

Muscle relaxant injections are a highly effective and safe way to treat the painful symptoms of TMD that are brought on by excessive contraction of the muscles associated with clenching or grinding of the teeth, also known as ‘Bruxism’.

If you suffer from bruxism, a nightguard or ‘splint’ is also recommended to protect your teeth from the forces of the jaw as they rub together, thus causing damage.

tmj graphic breakdown with face

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes TMD?

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) has several potential causes, including:

Jaw injury or trauma
Excessive strain from teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
Arthritis leading to degenerative changes in the jaw joint
Uneven pressure on the jaw joints due to a misaligned bite (malocclusion)
Chronic stress leading to jaw tension and muscle tightness

How can you treat TMD?

Treating temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) involves various strategies tailored to its severity and underlying causes. Self-care practices such as applying heat or ice packs, consuming soft foods, and employing stress-management techniques can offer relief. Additionally, oral appliances like custom mouthguards are utilised to protect teeth from night time clenching/grinding and/or reposition the jaw. Physical therapy, encompassing jaw exercises and stretches, aims at alleviating pain and enhancing joint function. Medications such as pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed. In some instances, injections of muscle relaxants or corticosteroids are administered to mitigate inflammation and muscle tension. Surgery remains a last resort, primarily reserved for severe cases or structural issues within the joint.

Can TMJ dysfunction cause ear problems?

Due to the close proximity of the jaw joint to the ears, TMJ dysfunction can cause a range of ear symptoms, including:

Ear pain or fullness
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Temporarily decreased hearing

Can TMD cause dizziness?

TMD can sometimes contribute to dizziness or vertigo. The mechanisms are complex, but it may involve the nerves and muscles around the TMJ affecting balance and equilibrium.

How can I manage TMJ pain?

It’s essential to give your jaw adequate rest by avoiding hard or chewy foods, excessive talking, and chewing gum. Applying heat or ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes can provide relief. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as can also help alleviate discomfort. Stress management techniques like deep breathing or meditation are beneficial in reducing tension in the jaw muscles. Additionally, incorporating gentle jaw exercises recommended by your dentist can contribute to easing TMJ pain and improving joint mobility.

Meet Our Team:

Dr Christopher Dimos
Principal Dentist- BDSc (Melb), FIADFE

Chris was born in Melbourne and graduated as a dentist from the University of Melbourne in 1986. Having commenced clinical practice on Collins St in 1989, he has been a Melbourne CBD dental practitioner for over 30 years. Chris is personally interested in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, especially in the field of implants. His other passion lies in the area of facial aesthetics, of which he has been a speaker and trainer. Chris is committed to continuing education and ...