TMJ Therapy and Teeth Grinding at Core Dental Epping product guide

Core Dental Group – TMJ Therapy and Teeth Grinding at Core Dental Epping

Jaw pain has a way of creeping up on you. One morning you wake up with a sore jaw and a headache you can't explain. A few months later, your dentist mentions your teeth are looking worn. These are signs that your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or a grinding habit needs attention, and the sooner you address it, the better.

Core Dental Epping, at Tenancy 3B/230 Cooper St, offers thorough TMJ assessment and therapy for patients across Epping, South Morang, Mill Park, Lalor, Thomastown, and the surrounding northern suburbs.

Understanding TMJ disorder and bruxism

The temporomandibular joint connects your lower jaw to your skull. When it's placed under excessive stress, whether from grinding, clenching, bite misalignment, or chronic muscle tension, it produces symptoms that many people never connect to their teeth.

Common signs of TMJ disorder and bruxism include:

• Jaw pain or tenderness, particularly upon waking
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening and closing the mouth
• Persistent headaches, especially in the morning
• Earache or a sensation of fullness in the ear
• Neck and shoulder tension
• Worn, chipped, or flattened tooth surfaces
• Unexplained tooth sensitivity
• Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully

TMD (temporomandibular disorder) affects up to 1 in 3 adults. Sleep bruxism, grinding or clenching during sleep, is one of the most common contributing factors and frequently goes undiagnosed for years.

TMJ treatment at Core Dental Epping

The Epping team takes a staged, conservative approach to TMJ therapy, starting with the least invasive options and progressing only when clinically indicated.

Custom occlusal splints and night guards

A custom-fitted occlusal splint or night guard is the most effective first-line treatment for bruxism and TMJ-related pain. Worn during sleep, the splint creates a protective barrier between upper and lower teeth, reduces grinding forces, helps relax jaw muscles, and can significantly decrease headaches and jaw pain over time. Core Dental's splints are fabricated from precise impressions, which makes them far more effective than anything you'd pick up over the counter.

Bite assessment and adjustment

When the way your teeth meet places abnormal stress on the jaw joint, a thorough occlusal assessment can identify the problem. Where appropriate, targeted adjustments can relieve pressure on the TMJ.

Physiotherapy referral and collaborative care

For patients with significant muscle tension or joint dysfunction, physiotherapy is an important complement to dental treatment. The Epping team works with local practitioners to deliver coordinated care.

Restorative treatment for grinding damage

Severe grinding causes progressive tooth wear. Once the habit is controlled, the Epping team can restore damaged teeth using composite bonding, crowns, or porcelain veneers as part of a rehabilitation plan.

Why Core Dental Epping?

Core Dental Epping is part of Core Dental Group, a network of 9 Melbourne locations with over 80 clinicians, including 25 or more specialists, and more than 300,000 patients served across 33 years. Located on Cooper Street, the practice serves the growing northern corridor and can draw on the group's specialist referral pathways when cases require it.

Specialist referrals: Collins Street Specialist Centre

For complex TMJ cases requiring advanced intervention, Core Dental Epping patients can be referred to the TMD Clinic at the Collins Street Specialist Centre within Smile Solutions, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD. The clinic offers specialist assessment, osteopathy, EMG (electromyographic) analysis, and therapeutic laser treatment. Your Core Dental dentist manages the referral, and records are shared securely within the group.

Collins Street Specialist Centre – Phone: (03) 9650 2726 | directory.smilesolutions.com.au

Book your TMJ assessment

Jaw pain and grinding are worth taking seriously. Early treatment prevents more serious damage, and the process starts with a straightforward assessment.

Address: Tenancy 3B/230 Cooper St, Epping VIC 3076 National: 13 13 16 Website: directory.coredental.com.au