TMJ Pain

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge joint that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull. TMJ pain can occur as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw.

Causes of TMJ pain:

• injury to the jaw, temporomandibular joint, or muscles of the head and neck – such as from a heavy blow or whiplash
• grinding or clenching the teeth, which puts a lot of pressure on the TMJ
• dislocation of the soft cushion or disc between the ball and socket
• presence of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the TMJ
• stress, which can cause a person to tighten facial and jaw muscles or clench the teeth.

We can assess your temporomandibular joint and musculature and determine the best course of treatment which may range from anti-inflammatories and heat packs to physiotherapy, acupuncture or fabrication of a dental splint. Each treatment option has its benefits and will depend on the cause and duration of your discomfort. If you have been grinding or clenching this may not only cause pain but it can cause wear on the biting surfaces of your teeth, shortening of the teeth and cracks. This should be treated as soon as possible to prevent long term damage that is difficult to repair.

Extractions

We perform extractions in the clinic, whether it's a broken tooth that can't be restored, an extraction for orthodontics, or a baby tooth that needs a helping hand finding its way to the tooth fairy. We know that having an extraction carried out can be daunting for many patients, rest assured that if you need this treatment we will make it comfortable and pain free. Most extractions are simple, whereas others may require more advanced treatment.

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt, usually at 16–23 years of age. Frequently there is not enough room for normal eruption and these teeth therefore become ‘impacted’.

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause:

• infection of adjacent gum tissue
• dental decay of adjacent teeth
• (in rare cases) cysts.

Wisdom teeth do not always require extraction. At Lysaght Dental we prefer to treat any problems conservatively rather that resorting to unnecessary extractions.

If your wisdom teeth flare up it is a good idea to try the following:

• Use an anti septic mouth wash eg Corsodyl or Kin
• Take pain relief. Anti inflammatory tablets such as ibuprofen work best however you may not be able to take these - this depends on any health issues you may have. Always read the instructions and check with your Doctor or pharmacist
• Make an appointment for an assessment with your dentist who can clean the area, prescribe an antibiotic which may be required if there is an infection present and can discuss treatment options to prevent any further issues with your wisdom teeth.

X-rays

At Lysaght Dental we offer you the very latest in digital radiography. This means that when radiographs are taken you can be assured that you are getting the minimal dose of radiation possible with current technology. We further protect you with the use of a rectangle collimator which reduces the dose by 40% compared to a standard x-ray. It is common for both tooth decay and periodontal disease to be impossible to detect during a clinical exam. Radiographic evaluation of the dental and periodontal tissues is a critical segment of the comprehensive oral examination.