Orofacial pain
For the jaw that clicks, aches or locks.
The temporomandibular joint connects your lower jaw to your skull, just in front of the ear. Disorders of this joint and the muscles around it can cause pain, clicking, restricted opening and headaches — and are frequently mistaken for other problems.
TMJ Treatment
What it involves.
TMJ disorders have several possible causes: clenching and grinding, an uneven bite, injury, arthritis, or stress-related muscle tension. Because the causes differ, so does the treatment, and an accurate assessment matters more here than in most areas of dentistry.
Management is usually conservative and staged. We start with the least invasive measures that are likely to help, and only escalate if they do not.
Symptoms we assess
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw, face or around the ear
- Clicking, popping or grating when opening or closing
- A jaw that locks open or closed
- Difficulty or discomfort when chewing
- Recurrent headaches, particularly on waking
- Worn or flattened teeth from grinding
How it is managed
- Assessment of the joint, muscles and bite
- Custom night guards to protect teeth from grinding
- Bite adjustment where the bite is a contributing factor
- Exercises and habit advice for muscle-related pain
- Onward referral where a specialist opinion is appropriate
Also offered
Other treatments.
Begin
Let's look after
that smile.
Tell us what's troubling you and we'll find you a time — usually the same week.