The many causes of TMJ dysfunction (TMD)
TMD can have several causes. The most common is bruxism (teeth grinding), which puts heavy pressure on the joint and can inflame it. Repeated clenching can also shift how the joint sits, which is where the clicking or popping comes from. Other causes include:
An uneven bite from worn or damaged teeth
Ill-fitting fillings, crowns or dentures
Injury or trauma to the jaw, neck or head
Stiffness and inflammation in the joint
Jaw muscle spasm after a dental procedure
Osteoarthritis or other degenerative joint conditions
Conditions such as fibromyalgia, gout or rheumatoid arthritis
Poor head or neck posture
Poor sleeping posture
TMD treatment
Many people in Melbourne CBD come to us for help with TMJ dysfunction. Treatment ranges from managing pain to correcting the bite, and the right approach depends on what is causing your symptoms. Your dentist will assess your jaw and talk through the options so you can make an informed decision. Common TMD treatments include the following.
What happens at your TMJ assessment
Your first visit is an assessment.
Cost and health funds
The cost of TMD treatment depends on what your assessment finds. After your assessment, your dentist gives you a quote before any treatment starts.
If you have extras cover, your fund may pay a benefit. What you get back depends on your level of cover.
We offer HICAPS on-the-spot claiming, so if you have private health extras cover you can claim at the practice on the day.
Book online, or call us on (03) 9663 3401 or 0432 908 818.
FAQs
What is TMD?
TMD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) covers conditions affecting the jaw joint and the muscles around it. It can cause pain, limited jaw movement, and clicking or popping when you open or close your mouth.
What treatment options are available for TMD?
Early treatment is usually conservative: resting the jaw, avoiding hard or chewy foods, using ice or heat, wearing a nightguard if you grind, managing stress, and correcting bite issues where needed. If conservative care is not enough, options include joint injections (injections into the jaw joint itself), arthroscopy (keyhole surgery on the joint) or jaw surgery.
How long does TMD treatment take?
It depends on what is causing your symptoms, how long you have had them and which treatment you choose. Your dentist will explain what to expect from your plan and review your progress at follow-up appointments.
Can lifestyle changes help with TMD?
Yes. Managing stress, improving posture, avoiding wide yawning and gum chewing, eating softer foods for a while, and practising jaw relaxation can all reduce the load on your jaw and muscles.
How much does TMJ treatment cost in Melbourne?
There is no set fee, because the cost depends on what your assessment finds and the treatment you choose. Your dentist explains your options and gives you a quote before anything goes ahead, and your health fund can tell you what you will get back.
