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Jan
Questions You May Have When First Learning About TMJ Disorders and Available Treatments From Your Dentist
Making sure you can experience an exceptional quality of life is one of the primary goals when you visit Drs. Christopher Allington, Lara Loescher, Ian Campbell, Faraz, and the team at Positive Image Dental in Devonshire, Bermuda. Dental problems come in more forms than a cavity or gum disease. One disorder that can have a significantly negative impact on one’s quality of life has to do with your temporomandibular joint. TMJ disorders can cause a range of symptoms, from jaw stiffness to chronic headaches, and can significantly impact your daily life. As dentists who offer TMJ treatment, our dentists focus on providing effective and compassionate care to help you find relief.
What is a TMJ disorder?
TMJ disorders refer to issues affecting your temporomandibular joint, which connects your jawbone and skull. This joint allows you to perform basic everyday tasks, including speaking, chewing, and yawning. If your TMJ becomes inflamed or misaligned, it can result in symptoms that include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, and even headaches or earaches.
What is a TMJ disorder?
Numerous conditions, such as stress, bruxism (grinding of the teeth), arthritis, or a jaw injury, can cause TMJ disorders. Poor posture, particularly in the neck and shoulders, can contribute to TMJ discomfort. Our dentists will work closely with you to identify the root cause of your present symptoms so that a treatment plan can be developed and tailored to your needs.
How can TMJ disorders affect daily life?
Living with a TMJ disorder can be challenging. You may experience discomfort in eating, speaking, or even sleeping. Chronic pain associated with TMJ disorders can also affect your mental health, leading to increased stress or anxiety. Seeking early treatment can help alleviate these symptoms and prevent them from worsening.
What treatments are available for TMJ disorders?
The treatment plan provided to you will depend on the severity of your TMJ disorder. Our dentists might suggest dietary or lifestyle modifications, such as stress reduction methods, to reduce jaw strain. In some cases, custom oral appliances like nightguards can help reduce teeth grinding and relieve pressure on the joint. For more severe cases, physical therapy or medical interventions may be necessary.
How do I know if I need to see a TMJ dentist?
If you’re experiencing persistent jaw pain, difficulty opening or closing your mouth, or symptoms like clicking or popping sounds when moving your jaw, it’s time to consult a TMJ dentist. We can evaluate your condition, provide an accurate diagnosis, and recommend an appropriate course of treatment.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
Don’t let TMJ disorders disrupt your life any longer. Contact Positive Image Dental in Devonshire, BM, at (441) 292-2312 to schedule an appointment with Drs. Christopher Allington, Lara Loescher, Ian Campbell, and Faraz. Whether you’re dealing with persistent discomfort or a jaw locked open, our team is here to help. Visit www.positiveimagedental.com to learn more about our comprehensive services and how we can support your dental health. Relief is just a call away!
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The Positive Image Dental team comprises three doctors:
Ian Campbell, DMD graduated
from Saltus Grammar School, Mount Allison University, and McGill University Dental School. He has
over 40 years of experience in dentistry and is reputed for providing high-quality dental care in
Bermuda. Dr. Campbell is passionate about lifelong learning and staying abreast of the latest trends
in dentistry.
Christopher Allington, DMD is
an alumnus of the University of Queens, McGill Dental School, and University of Connecticut. He has
been practicing in Bermuda for over 12 years and is a member, past president, and chair of the
Bermuda Dental Association and Bermuda Dental Board. He is a Fellow of the Academy of General
Dentistry and International Congress of Oral Implantology and is registered for fellowship in the
International Association of Orthodontics.
Dr. Lara Loescher BDS, MFDS
RCSEd is a graduate of Bermuda High School and University of Bristol, a member of the Royal
College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, and is completing a Masters in Aesthetic and Restorative
dentistry. She has been practicing general and cosmetic dentistry, including Invisalign, for over 13
years and is interested in diabetes management.
Dr. Faraz, BSc, BDS, MA, is
passionate about all aspects of high-quality dentistry, especially endodontics and cosmetic
dentistry. His enthusiasm for cutting-edge technologies and techniques keeps him grounded in
minimally invasive dentistry.
Dr. Faraz earned his doctorate in dentistry from King’s College London in 2011 after earning a bachelor’s degree in Human Sciences. He worked in Oxfordshire for ten years before moving to London to work full-time at his family practice. Dr. Faraz routinely pursues additional training to improve his skill in rebuilding exceptionally natural-looking teeth.
He gains tremendous satisfaction from supporting anxious patients in overcoming their dental phobias via his passion and patience, restoring confidence in their oral health. Dr. Faraz looks forward to serving you with all your needs while ensuring your trust is always in safe hands.