Jaw joint problems can cause persistent pain, restricted movement and other symptoms that affect everyday activities such as eating, speaking and yawning. Many cases can be managed with non-surgical care, while ongoing or more complex symptoms may benefit from specialist assessment and treatment.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the jaw joint located just in front of each ear. It connects the lower jaw to the skull and allows the jaw to move when you chew, speak, yawn or open and close your mouth.
Problems affecting the joint and the surrounding muscles are commonly referred to as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), or TMJ disorder. These problems can affect the joint itself, the muscles that control jaw movement, or a combination of both.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder can cause a range of symptoms, including:
Pain in front of the ear, cheek or temple, particularly when chewing or yawning
Clicking, popping or grating sounds from the jaw joint
Difficulty opening the mouth fully or episodes where the jaw becomes stuck or locked
Earache, a feeling of fullness in the ear or tinnitus
Headaches, particularly around the jaw and temples
Aching or tension in the facial, jaw and neck muscles
Persistent symptoms or changes in how your jaw moves or feels should be assessed to identify what may be causing the problem.
What Are the Treatment Options for TMJ Disorder?
Treatment for TMJ disorder follows a stepwise approach based on the underlying problem, the severity of your symptoms and how they are affecting your quality of life. The simplest appropriate measures are generally considered first, and most patients can be managed without surgery.
For more complex joint problems, or where symptoms continue despite non-surgical care, surgical treatment may be considered. In some cases, earlier intervention may also be recommended where there is a risk of further deterioration within the joint.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Non-surgical treatment is suitable for many patients with TMJ disorder and will usually be considered before surgery. The recommended approach will depend on the cause of your symptoms and whether the problem primarily affects the joint or the surrounding muscles.
Where clenching, grinding or overactivity of the jaw muscles contributes to pain, muscle relaxant injections may be recommended. These can help reduce excessive muscle activity and relieve tension while preserving normal jaw function.
To find out more about this treatment option, visit our Muscle Relaxant Injections for TMJ Disorder page.
Jaw Joint (TMJ) Arthroscopy
For persistent jaw pain, restricted mouth opening or a jaw that repeatedly becomes stuck despite non-surgical care, TMJ arthroscopy may be considered.
This minimally invasive keyhole procedure uses a narrow camera inserted into the joint through a tiny incision. It allows the specialist to examine the joint in detail and, where appropriate, treat the problem during the same procedure.
TMJ arthroscopy is performed under general anaesthetic, with minimal scarring, and patients can usually return home on the same day.
To learn more about the procedure and what to expect, visit our Jaw Joint (TMJ) Arthroscopy treatment page.
Why Choose 152 Harley Street for TMJ Disorder Treatment?
TMJ disorder can have different causes, which is why an accurate diagnosis and an individual approach to treatment are important. At 152 Harley Street, your specialist will assess how your jaw problem is affecting your pain, function and quality of life before recommending a treatment pathway tailored to your needs.
We offer both non-surgical and surgical options for TMJ disorder, allowing treatment to progress according to the nature and severity of the problem. For appropriate patients, 152 Harley Street is one of the few clinics offering highly specialised keyhole jaw joint surgery to diagnose and treat problems within the joint itself.
From your initial consultation through treatment and follow-up, you will receive specialist care and clear guidance at each stage of your treatment.
Some mild TMJ symptoms may improve with simple measures and without specialist treatment. However, symptoms that persist, recur or interfere with eating, speaking or normal jaw movement should be assessed to determine the underlying cause and whether treatment may be beneficial.
There is not always a single cause of TMJ disorder. Symptoms may be associated with clenching or grinding the teeth, tension or overactivity in the jaw muscles, problems affecting the structures within the joint, arthritis or a previous injury.
Identifying whether symptoms are primarily related to the joint, the surrounding muscles or both helps determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
Diagnosis begins with a detailed consultation to understand your symptoms, how long they have been present and how they are affecting your day-to-day life. Your specialist will examine the jaw joint, its movement and the surrounding muscles to help identify the source of your symptoms.
Where further investigation is needed, MRI or CT imaging may be recommended to provide more detailed information about the structures within the joint.
A precise diagnosis is important because TMJ disorder can have different underlying causes. Treatment can then be tailored to improve pain and function based on your individual needs.
No. Most patients with TMJ disorder can be managed without surgery. Treatment is tailored to the underlying cause and may begin with non-surgical options. Surgery is generally considered for appropriate patients with more complex joint problems or persistent symptoms.
Clenching and grinding can place additional strain on the jaw muscles and may contribute to facial or jaw pain in some patients. A specialist assessment can help determine whether muscle overactivity is contributing to your symptoms and which treatment options may be appropriate.
Have Questions About TMJ Disorder Treatment?
If you would like to learn more about your treatment options or arrange a specialist consultation, please complete the form below and our team will be happy to assist you.
"I cannot thank Dr Lloyd enough for my TMJ surgery. Professional, caring and an excellent doctor!"
