TMJ Therapy
Jaw pain and discomfort can affect every part of your day, from eating and speaking to simply feeling at ease. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your upper and lower jaw, plays a key role in these movements. When this joint isn’t functioning properly, it can lead to jaw pain, headaches, clicking or popping sounds, and other symptoms that interfere with your comfort and quality of life.
At The Paddington Dental Surgery, Dr Duncan Copp and the rest of our top dentists take a gentle, comprehensive approach to TMJ care.Using advanced diagnostic tools and proven treatment techniques, we aim to relieve pain, restore function, and support your overall well-being.
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Learn more about our gentle, patient-first approach. To book your consultation, contact The Paddington Dental Surgery today.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), is the hinge found on either side of the jaw that allows you to open and close your mouth. Though small, it plays a crucial role in everyday activities like eating, drinking, and speaking.When this joint doesn’t function properly, the condition is called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD or TMJ disorder). TMJ dysfunction can result from a variety of factors, including arthritis, a misaligned bite (teeth that don’t line up correctly), or overuse of the jaw muscles.
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
Disorders affecting the temporomandibular joint can be caused by:
- Arthritis
- Imbalance among the jaws
- Teeth clenching or grinding
- A breakdown of cartilage in the joint
- Misaligned bite
- Simple overuse
What Are the Symptoms of TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder can cause a variety of symptoms, many of which may not seem directly related to the jaw. Because of this, it’s common for people to be unaware that their discomfort is linked to the temporomandibular joint.
Common symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
- Headache
- Facial pain
- Dizziness
- Clicking or popping sensation in the jaw
- Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
- Difficulty biting, chewing, and/or swallowing
- Earache
- Ringing in the ears
- Numbness in the arms and/or fingers
How Is TMJ Disorder Diagnosed?
To determine whether your jaw joint is functioning properly, we start with a gentle assessment of its range of motion and overall movement. Your dentist will observe how your teeth align, listen for clicking or popping sounds, and check for areas of tenderness or muscle tension.
If a closer evaluation is needed, we may recommend diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or a CT scan, to get a detailed view of the joint’s anatomy and surrounding structures.
Can TMJ Disorder Be Cured?
Whether TMJ disorder can be fully cured depends on its underlying cause. In many cases, treatment can provide long-lasting relief and restore comfortable function, even if the root condition itself cannot be completely eliminated. For example, while arthritis has no definitive cure, modern TMJ therapies can still ease inflammation and minimise discomfort.
Our team will take the time to evaluate all contributing factors – from bite alignment to muscle tension – and develop a tailored treatment plan designed to reduce symptoms, support healing, and prevent future flare-ups.
How Can I Treat TMJ Pain at Home?
There are several simple steps you can take at home to help ease TMJ-related discomfort. Start by reducing habits that create extra tension in the jaw, such as clenching or chewing gum. Eating softer foods, cutting meals into smaller bites, and avoiding sticky or chewy items can also give your jaw time to rest and recover.
Light stretching, facial massages, and relaxation exercises can release muscle tightness and improve mobility. Applying a warm compress or alternating between heat and cold packs may further relieve soreness and inflammation. If pain persists, our team can recommend additional therapies or personalised at-home strategies to support your comfort and healing.
What Are My TMJ Disorder Treatment Options?
At our practice, treatment for TMJ disorder is always tailored to each patient’s unique needs and the underlying cause of their symptoms. A variety of proven therapies can relieve discomfort, restore balance, and prevent further stress on the temporomandibular joint:
- Medication
- Nightguards and customised oral appliances
- Bite-realignment appliances
- Orthodontic treatment, such as Invisalign®
- Jaw and bite therapies
- Neuromuscular dentistry
- Restorative dental care
- Oral surgery
- BOTOX® injections
At our practice, we always aim to deliver a pain-free experience for each patient. One of our dentists will take the time to assess your symptoms and evaluate your jaw function. If TMJ disorder is diagnosed, we’ll develop a personalised treatment plan designed to deliver effective relief and help you regain comfortable, natural movement.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
We want to help you make the best decision for your individual health needs and desired outcome. With that goal in mind, we’ve provided some answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about TMJ disorder and treatments. For additional information, feel free to reach out to our friendly and experienced team.
How Long Does TMJ Disorder Last?
TMJ disorder can be a temporary or chronic problem, depending on the cause of your condition. For example, if you develop TMD due to an injury, your symptoms may resolve after a few weeks. However, if your TMD is a result of a cause like arthritis, teeth grinding, or a jaw imbalance, the pain and other symptoms you experience may last for several years. Treating the underlying cause of your TMJ disorder is the best way to achieve long-term management of your condition, especially if your symptoms don’t resolve on their own.
When Should I Seek a Professional for my TMJ Disorder?
If your TMJ symptoms are causing discomfort or beginning to interfere with your daily life, it’s important to seek an evaluation from a dentist experienced in managing this condition. Even if your symptoms feel mild or manageable, you should schedule a visit if you experience any of the following:
- Limited ability to move your jaw
- Pain that does not go away
- Swelling that develops near your TMJ
- Symptoms keep you up at night or make eating difficult
By seeking a professional and receiving a potential diagnosis, you can learn how to ease your symptoms and treat the cause of your TMJ disorder, helping prevent long-term side effects from occurring.
Why Does TMJ Disorder Cause Pain in Other Areas?
TMJ disorder is most often associated with pain in the head and jaw, but this discomfort can extend to other areas, as well, such as the neck, shoulders, and back. This occurs because when the TMJ isn’t functioning properly, the surrounding muscles must compensate, often working in unnatural ways that create tension in other areas.
Can Jaw Exercises Help Treat TMJ Disorder?
Gentle jaw exercises and stretches can sometimes help ease tension and improve mobility, but these methods typically provide only short-term relief since they don’t address the root cause of the disorder. Relief from TMJ disorder is most often achieved through professional diagnosis and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
What Foods Should I Eat to Ease TMJ Pain?
During a TMJ flare-up, adjusting your diet can make a noticeable difference in managing discomfort. Opting for softer foods that require minimal chewing can reduce strain on the jaw joint, while avoiding hard, crunchy, or chewy foods can prevent additional tension. Cutting meals into smaller pieces and chewing with your back teeth rather than biting into larger items can also help minimise pressure on the TMJ and promote more comfortable movement.
Compassionate TMJ Care You Can Trust
If jaw pain or tension is affecting your comfort or quality of life, our experienced team is here to help. At The Paddington Dental Surgery, we combine advanced techniques with genuine care to restore harmony, function, and ease to your smile. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
