TMD & Jaw Pain

The temporomandibular joints — commonly referred to as the TMJs — connect the lower jaw to the skull and allow the movements involved in speaking, chewing and opening the mouth.

Problems affecting these joints and the associated jaw muscles are collectively known as temporomandibular disorders, or TMD.

TMD can present in many different ways, and importantly, not every click, pop or unusual jaw movement requires treatment.

Jaw Pain Skeleton head with red TMJ inflammation with medical 3D render. - Station St Dental

Symptoms of TMD

People with TMD may experience:

Pain or tenderness around the jaw joints
Aching or fatigue in the jaw muscles
Discomfort when chewing
Difficulty or discomfort opening the mouth
Restricted jaw movement
Clicking, popping or grating noises
Episodes where the jaw catches or locks
Headache or facial discomfort associated with the jaw muscles

Some people have joint noises for many years without pain or loss of function. In these situations, treatment may not be necessary.

What Causes TMD?

TMD isn’t a single condition and there isn’t always one identifiable cause.

Problems may involve the jaw muscles, the joint itself, the articular disc within the joint, or a combination of these structures.

Factors that may be relevant include:

Grinding or clenching
Overloading or fatigue of the jaw muscles
Previous injury
Changes within the jaw joint or articular disc
Degenerative joint changes
Inflammatory joint conditions
Other musculoskeletal factors

Careful diagnosis is important because different causes may require different approaches.

Assessing Jaw Pain

Assessment begins with listening carefully to when and where the symptoms occur and how they affect normal jaw function.

We may examine jaw movement, the joints and associated muscles, the teeth and bite, and look for evidence of grinding, clenching or tooth wear.

Further imaging or specialist assessment is occasionally appropriate when symptoms or clinical findings warrant it.

Managing TMD

For many patients, TMD is best approached conservatively.

Depending on the diagnosis and severity of symptoms, management may involve education and self-management strategies, modification of aggravating habits, an occlusal splint where appropriate, or involvement of other health professionals.

More persistent or complex joint problems may require further investigation or specialist referral.
Our preference is to begin with the least invasive appropriate management rather than assuming every patient with jaw pain requires dental treatment.

If you are experiencing persistent jaw pain, restricted movement or difficulty using your jaw normally, an assessment can help determine what may be contributing and the appropriate next step.

Why Choose Station St Dental?

Truly Holistic Dental Care

At Station St Dental, we treat more than just your teeth - we care for your complete oral health. Our approach takes into account everything that could impact your smile, from breathing and lifestyle habits to personal goals and even work-related factors. We look at the full picture to provide the most effective, personalised care possible.

Integrated, Multi-Disciplinary Dentistry

Our experienced dentists are skilled in a wide range of dental treatments, allowing us to offer comprehensive care under one roof. From preventive and general dentistry to more complex procedures, we’re equipped to manage the oral health needs of the whole family.

To ensure we stay ahead of the curve, our entire team - including our friendly front desk staff - regularly attends professional development courses. We’re committed to learning the latest advancements in dental care and proudly use cutting-edge equipment and technology in our clinic.

A Comfortable, Family-Friendly Environment

We know that visiting the dentist can be stressful for some. That’s why we go above and beyond to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere where patients of all ages feel safe and at ease. With calming background music throughout the practice, we aim to make every appointment as pleasant as possible.

Family-Focused Dentistry

Families are at the heart of what we do. Whether it’s your toddler’s first dental check-up, orthodontic care for your teen, or cosmetic treatments for you - we tailor our approach to suit each family member’s individual needs.

It’s not uncommon for families to schedule their appointments together, making it easy and convenient to manage everyone’s oral health in one visit.

Plus, eligible children may access up to $1,132 in dental care over two years through the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) - making quality care more accessible when you need it most.