Can TMJ Cause Tooth Pain? Jaw vs Tooth | Perth Dentist
Can TMJ Cause Tooth Pain? How to Tell the Difference Patients often come to me with a toothache, and sometimes when I look at the tooth, I can’t find anything wrong with it. No decay, no crack, nothing going on at the gum. So where is the pain coming from? Sometimes the answer is the jaw. Your jaw joints and chewing muscles can refer pain (send it somewhere other than where it starts), and that pain can feel a lot like a sore tooth. But tooth pain has plenty of other causes too, like decay, a cracked tooth, gum problems or an infection. So if you’ve had pain that won’t settle, it’s worth getting it checked properly rather than guessing. What is TMJ? TMJ is short for temporomandibular joint. That’s your jaw joint, and you have one on each side, just in front of your ears. It’s a very unusual joint. Most joints just pivot, but when you open really wide, your jaw joint actually slides forward out of its socket and then back in again. It can move side to side as well. That flexibility is what lets you chew, talk and yawn, and it’s also why things can go out of balance. When people say they “have TMJ”, they usually mean temporomandibular disorder, or TMD. That’s the umbrella term for problems with the jaw joints, the chewing muscles, or both. Symptoms vary a lot from person to person. The ones I see most often include: Jaw or facial pain Sore, tender muscles around the jaw or temples Pain when chewing Clicking or popping that hurts Trouble opening...
Cosmetic Dentistry in Perth: A Guide to Your Options
For many people, the appearance of their smile matters as much as its health. Cosmetic dentistry brings together a range of dental procedures designed to improve the appearance of the teeth, gums and overall smile. At our dental practice in Mosman Park, Perth, we offer a variety of cosmetic dental options to suit different aesthetic goals and clinical needs. This guide provides a general overview of the cosmetic dental treatments commonly available in Perth, what each involves, the types of concerns they may help address, and some of the considerations and risks involved. As always, suitability depends on an individual clinical assessment, and outcomes vary from person to person. What Is Cosmetic Dentistry? Cosmetic dentistry refers to dental work that primarily focuses on improving the visual appearance of the teeth and smile, though many treatments also carry functional benefits. Unlike purely restorative dentistry — which focuses on repairing damage or disease — cosmetic dentistry is often elective, chosen by patients who wish to refine or enhance the look of their smile. In Australia, cosmetic dental treatments are provided by registered dental practitioners. It is important that any cosmetic dental work is preceded by a thorough examination to ensure there are no underlying health issues that need to be addressed first. Teeth Whitening Teeth whitening is one of the most commonly sought cosmetic dental treatments in Perth. It uses a peroxide-based bleaching agent to lighten the colour of tooth enamel, helping to reduce staining caused by food, beverages, tobacco or natural ageing. There are two main options: in-chair whitening, which is performed at the dental practice and typically takes around...
How to Know Whether You May Be Suitable for Dental Implants
If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants may be one option to consider. They can be used to support a crown, bridge or removable dental prosthesis. Implant treatment is not suitable for everyone. Your oral health, general health, available jawbone, medications and ability to maintain the implant all need to be assessed before treatment can be recommended. This guide explains some of the factors your dentist may consider when determining whether dental implants could be appropriate for you. What is a Dental Implant? A dental implant is usually a titanium fixture surgically placed into the jawbone. It is intended to support a replacement tooth or larger dental prosthesis. After placement, the implant is generally allowed time to heal and integrate with the surrounding bone. This process is known as osseointegration. A crown, bridge or denture can then be connected to the implant at an appropriate stage. Treatment stages and healing times vary between patients. An implant-supported restoration may assist with chewing and appearance, but it does not behave exactly like a natural tooth. Outcomes and treatment lifespan cannot be guaranteed. What Determines Whether You May be Suitable? Available Jawbone An implant requires sufficient bone in an appropriate position. Following tooth loss, changes in the height and width of the jawbone can occur. Previous infection, gum disease or trauma may also affect the amount of available bone. Your dentist may recommend dental X-rays or a cone beam CT scan to assess the proposed implant site and nearby structures. If there is insufficient bone, a procedure such as bone grafting may be discussed. Additional surgery is not required...
Dental Veneer Consultations in Perth: What to Expect
If you are considering dental veneers, a consultation can help you understand your options before making a decision. At Smile Design Studio in Mosman Park, a veneer consultation involves discussing your concerns, assessing your oral health and considering whether veneers—or a more conservative alternative—may be appropriate for you. Attending a consultation does not mean that you need to proceed with treatment. What are dental veneers? Dental veneers are thin restorations bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to change aspects of their appearance. Depending on the circumstances, veneers may be considered for concerns such as: Tooth discolouration that has not responded to whitening Chipped or worn teeth Irregular tooth shape Minor spacing concerns Differences in tooth size or proportion Veneers are commonly made from porcelain or composite resin. Each material has different advantages, limitations, costs and maintenance requirements. Veneers are not suitable for every patient or every cosmetic concern. A clinical examination is required before treatment can be recommended. Step 1: Discussing your concerns Your consultation will usually begin with a conversation about what you would like to change and what you hope to achieve. You may wish to bring reference photographs to help explain your preferences. These images can assist communication, but another person’s result cannot be reproduced or guaranteed because teeth, gums, facial features and bites differ between patients. This is also an opportunity to ask about: Porcelain and composite veneers The likely treatment stages Tooth preparation Possible risks and limitations Maintenance and future replacement Alternative treatments Fees and payment arrangements Your dentist should aim to understand your priorities rather than assume that veneers are the right...
Could Your Jaw Be Contributing to Headaches, Neck Pain or Ear Symptoms?
Headaches, neck discomfort, ringing in the ears and a blocked-ear sensation can have many possible causes. In some people, these symptoms occur alongside pain or dysfunction involving the jaw joints and chewing muscles. These conditions are collectively known as temporomandibular disorders, or TMD. Having headaches or tinnitus does not necessarily mean that you have TMD. A dental assessment may be appropriate when these symptoms occur with jaw pain, restricted movement, clenching, grinding or discomfort when chewing. What is TMD? The temporomandibular joints connect the lower jaw to the skull and allow you to speak, chew and yawn. TMD is an umbrella term for several conditions affecting: The jaw joints The chewing muscles Structures associated with jaw movement A combination of muscular and joint factors TMD is not always caused by the way the teeth meet. It is generally considered multifactorial, meaning several physical, behavioural and psychosocial factors may contribute. In some cases, no single cause can be identified. What symptoms can occur with TMD? Symptoms associated with TMD may include: Pain or tenderness around the jaw Discomfort when chewing or yawning Restricted mouth opening Jaw locking Clicking, popping or grating sounds Facial or temple pain Headaches, particularly around the temples Clenching or grinding A feeling of tiredness in the chewing muscles Pain extending towards the ear or neck Some people with TMD also report tinnitus, ear discomfort, dizziness or a blocked-ear sensation. However, these symptoms can arise from many non-dental conditions and should not automatically be attributed to the jaw. Clicking without pain or restricted movement is common and does not always require treatment. What may contribute to TMD?...
Dr Vicky Ho will answer any questions you may have about your dental health and care.
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