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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

1700 Reviews

5.0

11th July 2025

Lovely friendly staff. Clean airy waiting room.

10th July 2025

Very efficient team, treated with care and courtesyBy everyone , the dentist and dental nurse were very kind and caring. Always feel very happy with my treatment

10th July 2025

Always a pleasure, staff are friendly and well coming, treatment is always first class. Simply a great dental practice

9th July 2025

I have been a patient for over 40 years.I always receive processional and friendly service

8th July 2025

I have had Roy Patel as my dentist for many years and I wouldn’t go to anyone else. He always puts me at my ease and I trust him completely. Both he and Louise, his hygienist, have looked after my teeth really well. During my hygienist appointment one of my crowns became loose and Roy managed to secure it for me before I left the Practice. I only had to wait a short while and he fitted me in between patients.

8th July 2025

Very quick response to a problem with an implant

7th July 2025

Procedure was clearly explained and the surgeon made sure throughout that I was comfortable.

7th July 2025

Helpful at reception. Clinician was helpful and friendly

6th July 2025

Gursharan has been consistently professional and thorough with each appointment that I have had with her.

6th July 2025

Always, very kind and understanding.

5th July 2025

Simply very competent and very comfortable treatment.

5th July 2025

I was treated well from the time I entered the surgery until I left. The reception team were friendly and recognised me. Patrick (the dentist) always welcomes me and makes sure I know exactly what will happen, checking in with me throughout with updates on the treatment. The nurse (Chloe) was always in sync with Patrick and made sure I was comfortable. They make a visit to the dentist as good as it can be.

4th July 2025

Very friendly and professional people willing to explain all procedures that could be understood easily.

4th July 2025

Abigail is great as always

4th July 2025

Always great phone receptionists ! Go out of their way to fit you in ( I had broken teeth from a fall).Abi - just brilliant in everyway! Her dental nurse also fabulous. IThe work carried out explained throughout . Why would you go anywhere else ???

4th July 2025

Great service, spotless,

4th July 2025

Dr Dundas is a superb Dentist

4th July 2025

Personal service and patient care

4th July 2025

The personable and caring natures of the dentist, Rav and dental nurse, Cara.

3rd July 2025

the dentist and receptionist very poliete and extremely gentle and thats including the nurse there is full hundred percent standard work done on teeth etc

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