TMJ & Jaw Pain
Understanding your jaw pain and treatment options.
Jaw pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving your jaw can affect everyday activities such as eating, speaking, and sleeping. At Paget Dental Group, we provide personalised assessments to help identify possible causes of your symptoms and discuss suitable treatment options.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw to your skull. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are conditions affecting the jaw joint, surrounding muscles, or both.
Symptoms and When to Seek Assessment
TMD can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Pain or tenderness around the jaw, face, or ears
- Difficulty or discomfort when chewing
- Jaw stiffness or limited movement
- Painful clicking or popping when opening or closing your mouth
- Jaw locking or difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Headaches or discomfort around the temples
Clicking or popping without pain is common and does not necessarily require treatment. However, if you experience persistent pain, locking, or difficulty moving your jaw, a dental assessment can help identify possible causes
What Your Assessment Involves
Understanding the cause of your jaw discomfort is the first step toward appropriate treatment.
During your consultation, we will discuss your symptoms, medical and dental history, and any habits that may contribute to jaw discomfort, such as teeth grinding or clenching.
We may also examine your jaw joints, surrounding muscles, and range of movement to better understand your condition.
When clinically indicated, diagnostic imaging, such as a CBCT scan, may be recommended to examine the jaw joints in greater detail. Additional investigations or referrals may be considered depending on your symptoms.
Conservative Care and Self-Management
Many jaw joint and muscle-related concerns can improve with simple, conservative approaches. Treatment often begins with measures that help reduce discomfort and unnecessary strain on the jaw.
Depending on your symptoms, we may recommend:
- Eating softer foods during periods of discomfort
- Avoiding excessive gum chewing and jaw clenching
- Applying warm or cold compresses for temporary relief
- Practising gentle jaw exercises when appropriate
- Managing stress and habits that contribute to muscle tension
These measures may help manage symptoms without the need for more involved treatment.
Personalised Treatment Options
Treatment for TMD depends on your symptoms, examination findings, and individual needs. Not every patient requires the same approach.
Depending on your condition, treatment options may include:
- Custom oral appliances: A nightguard or dental splint may be appropriate for selected patients, particularly when teeth grinding or clenching is a concern.
- Medication: Pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication may be considered when clinically appropriate.
- Physical therapy: Targeted exercises and muscle relaxation techniques may help improve jaw comfort and movement.
- Additional treatment: For certain jaw-joint conditions, other procedures or specialist care may be considered following assessment.
We will discuss suitable options, including their potential benefits and limitations, to help you make an informed decision about your care.
PRF Treatment for TMJ
Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is prepared from a small sample of your own blood. For selected jaw-joint conditions, it may be offered as part of a personalised treatment plan. Dr. Fay will explain the procedure, possible benefits, limitations and alternatives.
Follow-up Care
Follow-up appointments allow us to monitor your symptoms, assess your response to treatment, and make adjustments when necessary.
For patients using oral appliances, we may review the appliance's fit, comfort, and ongoing suitability. Further assessments or referrals may be recommended depending on your progress.
Our goal is to provide personalised care that supports your jaw comfort and everyday function.
