Treatment
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are among the most common — and most misdiagnosed — causes of facial pain, headaches, and jaw dysfunction. Our specialists have decades of experience diagnosing and treating these complex conditions without surgery.
Overview
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw to your skull, just in front of each ear. It is one of the most complex joints in the body — responsible for chewing, speaking, and yawning. When this joint or the surrounding muscles are not functioning correctly, the result is a temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
TMJ disorders affect an estimated 10–15% of adults at some point in their lives. They are more common in women and often go undiagnosed for years because the symptoms — headaches, earache, neck pain — are frequently attributed to other causes.
At our clinic, we take a thorough, evidence-based approach to diagnosis. We do not treat all jaw pain the same way — accurate diagnosis of the specific type of TMJ disorder is essential to selecting the right treatment.
Symptoms
TMJ disorders can present in many ways. If you experience several of the following, a specialist assessment is recommended.
Important: Many of these symptoms overlap with other conditions. Self-diagnosis is unreliable — an accurate specialist assessment is the essential first step before any treatment begins.
Causes
Grinding or clenching the teeth — often during sleep — places enormous load on the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
Osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis can affect the TMJ, causing cartilage breakdown and pain.
The cushioning disc inside the joint can slip out of position, causing clicking, locking and pain.
A blow to the jaw, whiplash, or prolonged dental procedures can trigger or worsen TMJ disorders.
Jaw clenching, nail biting, and postural habits driven by stress are common contributing factors.
An uneven bite can place asymmetric load on the joint, leading to pain and dysfunction over time.
Our Approach
We take a non-surgical, evidence-based approach. Most patients achieve significant relief without invasive procedures. Treatment is always tailored to the individual diagnosis.
A custom-fitted hard acrylic splint worn at night to reduce clenching forces, protect the joint, and allow the muscles to relax.
Low-level laser therapy reduces inflammation, accelerates tissue repair, and provides significant pain relief for TMJ disorders.
Therapeutic Botox into the masseter and temporalis muscles reduces clenching force and relieves chronic jaw pain.
Targeted injections into tight muscle knots provide rapid relief from referred jaw, head and neck pain.
Education on posture, parafunctional habits, jaw exercises, and relaxation techniques to address contributing factors.
Where appropriate, anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, or supplements to support recovery.
FAQ
Book a specialist consultation at our Kingston, Canberra clinic. No referral required.