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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

1645 Reviews

5.0

4th June 2025

Friendly reception. Courteous and friendly dentist and nurse. Clear explanation of my treatment.

4th June 2025

Lovely staff and always a good experience I have been going to the practice since a child. Would always recommend.

3rd June 2025

It is a pleasant relaxed environment. The dentist explained all the possible options and after discussion we have agreed a way forward and booked 5 appointments between now and November to carry out treatment

3rd June 2025

I have always received very good care and service at Cedar Dental.This is the reason for my continued use of this practice.

1st June 2025

Reception were very helpful in arranging a short notice appointment for a broken back tooth. Dentist Anish Patel`s explanation of the issue and solution was excellent and he put me at ease straight away as a new patient. He carried out a temporary repair with the assistance of his nurse very efficiently and painlessly and arranged for further treatment on another back tooth with small fracture.

1st June 2025

As a patient at Cedar Dental Carefor very many years I have always experienced first class attention and would not consider seeing another dentist.Would highly reccommend to anyone.

31st May 2025

The reception team makes you feel really special from the moment you walk in. The dentist is always very warm and explains exactly what is wrong, giving options as to treatment to ensure you are happy with the prognosis. He always checks in during treatment to make sure you are comfortable. The nurse is very friendly and makes sure all your comfort needs are met, as well as being very efficient assisting the dentist. I look forward to my appointments in the certain knowledge that I will be well treated and have a great outcome after treatment.

30th May 2025

Multiple appointments and a very positive experience. Thank you

30th May 2025

Trust in the experience and expertise of the dentist

30th May 2025

All staff are always excellent.

30th May 2025

Very well explained including the possible things that could go wrong or take more time

29th May 2025

Attention to detail is very high. Friendly staff. Level of work very high standard.

29th May 2025

I.v always been happy with cedar, for many years, excellent dentist

29th May 2025

Best dental practise i've ever been to

29th May 2025

Louise is efficient and knowledgable. Mr Patel inspected my teeth thoroughly. Gave me a course of action so a very satisfying visit.

28th May 2025

Abigail Dundas Was fantastic. Made me feel relaxed when I have the work done on my tooth. Talked me through the whole process.

28th May 2025

They are punctual, polite, and friendly.They check gums and teeth.

28th May 2025

Friendly, expert treatment.

28th May 2025

My son is autistic with PDA so oral hygiene is difficult. The reception team always helpful and the dentist (Rav) is so understanding and keeps the appointment a positive experience

24th May 2025

Waiting times are minimal, staff friendly

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