Relief from temporomandibular joint disorders and chronic jaw pain
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, also referred to as TMD (temporomandibular disorders), affect the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. The TMJ connects your jawbone to your skull and acts like a sliding hinge, one of the most complex joints in the body. When this joint or surrounding muscles become inflamed or damaged, it can cause significant pain and dysfunction.
At K-Family Dental in Chatswood, Sydney, we understand how debilitating TMJ disorders can be, affecting your ability to eat, speak, and sleep comfortably. Our experienced team provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment to relieve your symptoms and restore normal jaw function.
TMJ disorders encompass a variety of conditions affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. The exact cause is often difficult to determine and may involve multiple factors working together.
TMJ disorders can manifest in various ways. You may experience one or several of these symptoms:
If you experience persistent jaw pain or tenderness, or if you can't fully open or close your jaw, contact us for an evaluation.
Proper diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. During your consultation, we'll conduct a comprehensive evaluation:
We may recommend X-rays, CT scans, or MRI imaging to view the bones, disc, and soft tissues of the TMJ in detail. This helps us identify structural problems, arthritis, or disc displacement.
Treatment for TMJ disorders often involves a conservative, multi-faceted approach. Most cases improve with non-invasive treatments:
An occlusal splint is a custom-fitted device worn over your teeth, typically at night. It prevents teeth grinding and clenching, reduces pressure on the TMJ, repositions the jaw to a more comfortable position, and protects teeth from wear. Many patients experience significant relief with consistent splint use.
Various medications can help manage TMJ symptoms:
We may recommend physical therapy treatments including exercises to strengthen and stretch jaw muscles, ultrasound therapy to improve circulation and reduce inflammation, hot and cold therapy for pain relief, and massage techniques for tight jaw muscles.
If your bite alignment is contributing to TMJ problems, we may recommend orthodontic treatment or dental restorations to correct the issue and reduce stress on the joint.
For severe muscle pain, corticosteroid injections into the joint can provide relief. Botox injections may help reduce muscle tension and grinding in some cases.
If conservative treatments aren't effective, we may refer you to a specialist for advanced options such as arthrocentesis (joint flushing), TMJ arthroscopy, or open joint surgery. However, surgery is rarely necessary and considered only after conservative treatments have been exhausted.
Get expert diagnosis and relief from TMJ disorders
Book Your TMJ AssessmentIn addition to professional treatment, these self-care strategies can help manage TMJ symptoms:
Ice packs can reduce inflammation and numb pain (use for 10-15 minutes). Moist heat can relax muscles and improve circulation (use for 15-20 minutes). Alternate between the two for best results.
Since stress often contributes to jaw clenching, stress reduction is important:
Specific stretching and strengthening exercises can improve jaw mobility and reduce pain. We'll demonstrate appropriate exercises during your appointment.
Poor posture, especially forward head position while using computers or phones, strains jaw muscles. Be mindful of keeping your head balanced over your spine and shoulders relaxed.
Notice and avoid habits that strain your jaw:
TMJ disorders can result from multiple factors, and often the exact cause is unclear. Common contributing factors include jaw injury or trauma, chronic teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), arthritis in the joint, stress causing muscle tension, misaligned bite, disc displacement within the joint, and connective tissue diseases. In many cases, TMJ disorders result from a combination of these factors rather than a single cause. For example, someone with a genetic predisposition might develop TMJ problems after an injury or during a stressful period. Understanding your specific contributing factors helps us develop the most effective treatment approach.
Diagnosing TMJ disorders involves a comprehensive evaluation. We'll review your symptoms and medical history, perform a physical examination of your jaw checking for pain, clicking, range of motion, and muscle tenderness. We'll also evaluate your bite and teeth alignment. Diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI may be recommended to view the joint structure, disc position, and any signs of arthritis or other abnormalities. In some cases, we may recommend a sleep study if sleep bruxism is suspected. Since TMJ symptoms can overlap with other conditions like ear infections or dental problems, thorough diagnosis is essential to ensure proper treatment.
The vast majority of TMJ disorders (over 90%) can be successfully managed with conservative, non-surgical treatments such as occlusal splints, physical therapy, medications, lifestyle modifications, and stress management. Surgery is considered only as a last resort when conservative treatments have failed after an extended period, and symptoms significantly impair quality of life. Even then, less invasive procedures like arthrocentesis (joint flushing) may be tried before open joint surgery. We always start with the most conservative approaches and exhaust non-surgical options before considering surgical intervention.
The prognosis for TMJ disorders varies. Many people experience significant improvement or complete resolution of symptoms with appropriate treatment and self-care measures. However, some individuals have chronic TMJ conditions that require ongoing management. The key is early intervention and consistent adherence to treatment recommendations. Even chronic TMJ disorders can often be controlled effectively, allowing normal function and minimal discomfort. With proper treatment, most people can manage their symptoms successfully and maintain a good quality of life. Regular follow-ups help us monitor your condition and adjust treatment as needed.
Recovery time varies widely depending on the severity of your condition and the underlying causes. Some people notice improvement within a few weeks of starting treatment with splints and self-care measures. Others with more complex or chronic conditions may need several months of consistent treatment to achieve significant relief. Typically, you should expect to commit to treatment for at least 8-12 weeks before evaluating its effectiveness. TMJ treatment is often a gradual process rather than a quick fix. Patience and consistent adherence to your treatment plan, including wearing splints as prescribed and practicing self-care techniques, are essential for the best outcomes.
Yes, stress is a significant contributing factor to TMJ disorders. When you're stressed, you're more likely to unconsciously clench or grind your teeth (a condition called bruxism), tense your jaw and facial muscles, and adopt poor posture habits. This chronic muscle tension and repetitive grinding puts excessive pressure on the TMJ, leading to pain and dysfunction. Many people notice their TMJ symptoms worsen during particularly stressful periods. This is why stress management techniques like relaxation exercises, meditation, counseling, and regular exercise are important components of TMJ treatment. Addressing the psychological aspects of TMJ disorders often leads to significant symptom improvement.
Jaw clicking or popping (crepitus) occurs when the disc inside the TMJ slips in and out of its proper position as you open and close your mouth. While often painless, clicking can indicate disc displacement. It's quite common and doesn't always require treatment if it's not causing pain or limiting movement. Jaw locking, however, is more serious. It occurs when the disc or joint becomes stuck in an abnormal position, preventing you from fully opening or closing your mouth. Locking can be temporary (reducing with manipulation) or persistent (requiring immediate professional attention). If your jaw locks, try not to force it and contact us promptly for evaluation and treatment.
Coverage for TMJ treatment varies significantly among insurance plans. Most dental insurance plans provide some coverage for diagnostic procedures like X-rays and examinations. Coverage for occlusal splints (night guards) varies; some plans cover them fully, others partially, and some not at all. Physical therapy and certain medications may be covered under medical insurance rather than dental insurance. More advanced treatments like injections or surgery typically require medical insurance coverage and pre-authorization. We recommend checking with both your dental and medical insurance providers about TMJ coverage. Our office can help verify your benefits and provide detailed documentation for insurance claims.