Treatment of TMD will depend on the source of pain. For inflammation of the joint a diet of soft fruit and avoidance of the behaviours that may have caused the problem may be appropriate. This can be supplimented by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and hot/cold packs to relieve the pain and speed up recovery. Where premature tooth contact is confirmed by computerised bite analysis then equilibration (reduction) of the offending tooth may be appropriate. Where intracapsular disorders have been diagnosed the treatment plan will depend on the stage of degeneration of the joint. During the earlier stages muscle relaxation and counselling are often prescribed. In later stages recapturing the disc (which has slipped forward) may be done in conjunction with equilibration or supplimented by splint therapy

We offer Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS) therapy for help with snoring. This involves the use of dental splints that hold the jaw forward during sleep. There are variety of products ranging from over the counter boil and bite splints to custom designed versions that are designed and fitted by dentists to a patient's individual requirements. The custom designed splints are either non-adjustable to hold the jaws in a fixed position or have some means of adjustment to enable the patient to incrementally move the jaw forward to an optimum position. Experience shows the adjustable splint to have the greater potential for success as patients are more likely to wear them over a period of time. The condition and health of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) must be evaluated prior to treatment to assess the suitability of splint therapy and subject to regular review for the period that the appliance is worn.