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Looking for a caring and professional dental practice? We’re excited to welcome new patients to our clinic! Whether you’re due for a check-up, need treatment, or are looking to enhance your smile, our friendly team is here to help.
Contact us today to book your first appointment—we look forward to meeting you!

TMJ disorder

TMJ disorder (or Temporo-Mandibular Joint dysfunction) is where the joint that allows the jaw to open and close is misaligned or overworked. Gristly cartilage separates the bone surfaces and sometimes it becomes worn or moves out of place.

Problems with the function of this joint are common, with symptoms including joint pain, clicking or popping of the jaw, limited opening, earaches and headaches

Examples of common problems with TMJ include:

  • Grinding or clenching your teeth, biting your nails or chewing a pen.
  • Some people get arthritis in the joint
  • If your back teeth are missing, you might eat mainly with your front teeth and disturb the way your jaw bites together.

You might notice several things.

  • Clicking or grating noises when you move your jaw.
  • Difficulty opening or closing your mouth.
  • Swelling or tenderness over the joint.
  • Pain in the face, neck and chewing muscles.
  • Headaches or back pain.
  • Pain in your ear, possibly with ringing noises.

What might the dentist do?

Your dentist will try and make your jaw more comfortable and look for the cause of the problem. You could take painkillers or tablets to relax the muscles or the face muscles might be massaged. You could use an ice pack at home or stress-relieving techniques. Avoid yawning a lot or biting into very hard foods.

If the problem seems to be caused by a habit, the dentist will explain this so you can try giving up the habit.

Other possible solutions might include:

  • Replacing missing teeth with a denture or bridge, or a different denture, to change the way your jaw sits
  • A 'bite guard' for you to wear at night which will take pressure off the joint

Will the treatment work?

Like joint problems in other parts of the body, jaw problems can be difficult to deal with completely. Success will depend on how much the joint has been damaged and on how much more damage can be prevented.

Your Cedar Dental Care dentist will examine the physical functionality of the joint, as well as the internal health of the soft tissue within the mouth. X-rays and scans may also be used in order to obtain a full overview of functionality and determine the best course of treatment for your individual case.

If you are suffering from joint pain or have any concerns with your jaw function, give us a call on 01635 867979 to book a consultation today.

Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to Cedar Dental Care. In fact, we have built much of our practice on these valued, trusted recommendations over the years. Read our reviews to hear why our patients are recommending us…

Patient reviews

1914 Reviews

5.0

25th October 2025

The Dentist demonstrates an interest in my general health issues. She also advises what processes she is about to undertake and talks through them by way of reassurance.An excellent dentist who is also both personable and empathetic.

25th October 2025

I have been coming to Cedar dental for several years and have had numerous treatments all of which have been very good experiences. All the members of the practice are polite and efficient , making for a very pleasant experience overall.

25th October 2025

Just the whole team are, awesome

24th October 2025

Rav is a nice chap and puts me at ease, also good knowledge of my issues and concerns

24th October 2025

Very happy with all aspects of my appointment.

24th October 2025

A very helpful and friendly team

AT

Anne Thatcher

I have just finished a course of treatment with Dr. Anish Patel and cannot speak highly enough of his treatment. After years of unsatisfactory treatment from previous dentists, Anish has repaired, restored and enhanced my teeth to a state well beyond my wildest dreams. I can now confidently smile again which is all due to his interest, patience, expertise and hard work. I am so grateful to him. I can thoroughly recommend him and all the team at Cedar Dental Care. They are all so welcoming. Thank you.

21st October 2025

The staff at Cedar Dental are always so polite, kind and helpful, friendly too. I couldn't recommend them highly enough. All my family and their children go there too.

19th October 2025

Extremely professional practitioners, have full faith in the treatments

19th October 2025

Friendly and professional

18th October 2025

My dentist is always so kind and helpful with understanding what I need to be doing and how well I am doing. I am always satisfied everytime I visit and I always want it to be with a specific dentist because they do a fantastic job everytime!

18th October 2025

everyone is motivated to help

17th October 2025

Friendly staff and painless treatment.

15th October 2025

I get on very will with my dentist who explains the state of my teeth and any treatments needed clearly and in detail with costs where necessary

15th October 2025

Their reminder system is also very good - no chance of forgetting

14th October 2025

Answers are in the rest of the survey. There were no issues what more do you want from a check up

13th October 2025

friendly, attentive and happy people

13th October 2025

Continuation of same high standards of care and attention to detail that I have received at Cedar for over 30 years|

13th October 2025

I have been with Cedar dental care for about 40years I think that speaks for itself

12th October 2025

Always satisfied when going to Cedar.

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