Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, consider seeking a second opinion from a qualified health practitioner.
Do you wake up with headaches, neck or shoulder pain? Are your teeth feeling sensitive, cracked, or worn down? You may be experiencing TMJ disorder (TMD) or bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching).
TMJ disorders and bruxism can cause jaw pain, headaches, neck tension, and even ear discomfort. Proper treatment helps alleviate these symptoms, allowing you to enjoy a pain-free life.
Grinding and clenching can lead to worn-down, cracked, or sensitive teeth. Custom splints or night guards protect your teeth from further damage, preserving your smile.
TMJ issues can make it difficult to chew, speak, or open your mouth fully. Treatment helps restore normal jaw movement while also reducing teeth grinding at night, leading to better sleep and overall well-being.
“Have had the misfortune of seeing many dentists, and Peninsula has to be one of, if not the best practice I've dealt with. Dr Mostafa is outstanding at what he does. Would highly recommend.”
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull, allowing you to chew, speak, and move your mouth. When this joint becomes misaligned or stressed, it can lead to TMJ disorder (TMD), causing discomfort and limiting jaw movement. TMJ issues are more commonly diagnosed in women, possibly due to hormonal factors.
Common Signs of TMJ Disorders:
✔ Clicking or popping in the jaw
✔ Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully
✔ Jaw pain or tenderness
✔ Headaches, migraines, or facial pain
✔ Neck or shoulder tension
✔ Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
✔ Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
✔ Worn-down or sensitive teeth
TMJ issues can develop due to various factors, including:
Having headaches can be a symptom of TMJ disorders. To determine whether that is the case, we will need to evaluate your joints, bite and oral health. If your symptoms are due to TMJ, we will provide treatment options to help relieve your symptoms.
The right treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms. Common solutions include:
✅ Splint or Night Guard Therapy – Custom-made oral appliances reduce strain on the jaw and prevent teeth grinding.
✅ Neuromuscular Therapy – Exercises or deprogrammers help relax the jaw muscles.
✅ Medication & Muscle Relaxants – In some cases, medication can relieve tension and discomfort.
✅ Surgical Treatment – For severe cases, surgery may be necessary, though most TMJ issues can be managed non-invasively.
Bruxism is the excessive grinding or clenching of teeth,k often occurring during sleep. Over time, it can lead to tooth sensitivity, worn enamel, headaches, and jaw pain. A custom-fitted night guard is the most effective way to protect your teeth from damage and relieve pressure on the jaw.
Dr. Mwaffak Rabih has been caring for smiles in Wellington since 2001. He graduated in 1991 and made the move to New Zealand in 1999, later completing the NZDREX program at the University of ...
Dr Mo was born in Egypt and lived in Canada for 12 years. He attended the University of Saskatchewan, where he completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology and Pharmacology. He then received a ...
If you're experiencing jaw pain, teeth grinding, or other TMJ-related symptoms, contact our clinic today to schedule an evaluation. Early treatment can prevent further discomfort and protect your long-term oral health.