Διαταραχές Κροταφογναθικής Άρθρωσης
Treatment
Find lasting relief from jaw pain, clicking, locking, and related headaches with comprehensive TMJ diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan.
About the treatment
Temporomandibular joint disorders, commonly called TMJ or TMD, are a group of conditions affecting the jaw joints, the surrounding muscles of mastication, and the associated ligaments and nerves. The temporomandibular joint is one of the most complex joints in the human body, functioning as both a hinge and a sliding joint, and it is used thousands of times daily for speaking, chewing, yawning, and swallowing. When something goes wrong with this intricate system, the effects can be widespread and debilitating. TMJ disorders can originate from several sources. The articular disc, a small cushion of cartilage that sits between the ball and socket of the joint, can become displaced, causing clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw. The muscles that control jaw movement can become chronically tense and painful, often due to stress-related clenching or grinding (bruxism). Arthritis can degrade the joint surfaces, trauma can damage the structures, and an imbalanced bite can place uneven forces on one or both joints over time. Symptoms of TMJ disorders extend well beyond the jaw itself. Patients commonly report headaches that mimic migraines or tension headaches, earaches without any ear infection, neck and shoulder stiffness, facial pain, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and dizziness. Many patients see multiple specialists before the jaw joint is identified as the source of their symptoms. Στο BestDent, we take a thorough, evidence-based approach to TMJ diagnosis and treatment. Rather than jumping to interventions, we carefully identify the specific type and cause of your disorder through detailed clinical examination, imaging, and sometimes bite analysis. Most TMJ disorders respond well to conservative, reversible treatments, and we always start with the least invasive approach that is likely to be effective. Surgery is reserved only for the rare cases that do not respond to comprehensive conservative management.
We can make your smile look great
Find lasting relief from jaw pain, clicking, locking, and related headaches with comprehensive TMJ diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan.
Keep your teeth healthy
Your dentist performs a detailed assessment of jaw joint function, including measuring your range of motion, palpating the joints and surrounding muscles for tenderness, listening for joint sounds with a stethoscope, and evaluating your bite alignment. The examination also assesses neck posture and cervical spine involvement, as these frequently contribute to TMJ symptoms.
The benefits of our dental treatments
- Accurate diagnosis that identifies the specific type and cause of your TMJ disorder
- Significant reduction or elimination of jaw pain, facial pain, and associated headaches
- Restoration of normal, comfortable jaw movement without clicking or locking
- Protection of teeth from the wear, cracking, and fracture caused by grinding and clenching
- Improved sleep quality by reducing nocturnal clenching and associated disruptions
- Relief from secondary symptoms including earache, tinnitus, neck pain, and dizziness
- Conservative, reversible treatments that address the root cause rather than masking symptoms
- A personalised treatment plan that considers your specific triggers and lifestyle factors
- Prevention of progressive joint damage that could eventually require surgical intervention
- Improved overall quality of life, including the ability to eat, speak, and socialise without discomfort
Who is it for?
- Those suffering from chronic or recurring pain in the jaw, face, or temples
- Patients who hear clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Those whose jaw locks open or shut, limiting normal mouth opening
- People experiencing frequent headaches, especially upon waking or during stressful periods
- Patients who grind or clench their teeth during sleep or during the day
- Those with earaches, a feeling of fullness in the ear, or tinnitus without an ear condition
- Patients whose bite feels uneven or has changed suddenly
- Those with neck stiffness, shoulder tension, or upper back pain related to jaw posture
- People who have difficulty or pain when chewing, yawning, or opening their mouth wide
- Anyone who has been treated for headaches or ear problems without finding the true cause
Treatment Process
Συνολική Clinical Εξέταση
Your dentist performs a detailed assessment of jaw joint function, including measuring your range of motion, palpating the joints and surrounding muscles for tenderness, listening for joint sounds with a stethoscope, and evaluating your bite alignment. The examination also assesses neck posture and cervical spine involvement, as these frequently contribute to TMJ symptoms.
Advanced Diagnostic Απεικόνιση
Panoramic X-rays provide an overview of the jaw joints and surrounding bone structures. When more detail is needed, cone-beam CT reveals bony changes, joint space narrowing, or condylar abnormalities, while MRI (ordered when indicated) shows the position and condition of the articular disc and soft tissues. These images are essential for accurate diagnosis.
Bite ανάλυση and Occlusal αξιολόγηση
Your bite is analysed using articulating paper and, in some cases, digital occlusal analysis technology to identify premature contacts, interferences, and imbalances that may be placing excessive stress on one or both joints. Understanding how your teeth come together is a critical piece of the TMJ puzzle.
Custom Occlusal Splint (Night Guard) Κατασκευή
For most TMJ patients, a custom-made occlusal splint is a cornerstone of treatment. Precision impressions or digital scans of your teeth are taken to fabricate a hard acrylic splint that repositions the jaw into an optimal, relaxed position. The splint protects teeth from grinding damage, reduces muscle strain, and takes pressure off the joint disc. It is adjusted at follow-up visits for optimal comfort.
Physiotherapy and Self-Care Programme
You receive a structured programme of jaw exercises, stretches, and relaxation techniques designed to restore normal muscle function and joint mobility. This may include gentle range-of-motion exercises, resistance training for jaw muscles, and postural corrections. Heat and cold therapy protocols, stress management techniques, and dietary modifications are also part of the programme.
Pharmacological Management
When appropriate, short-term medications are prescribed to break the pain-tension cycle. This may include muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory medications, or low-dose tricyclic antidepressants that are effective for chronic pain and nocturnal bruxism. Medication is always used as a complement to physical therapy and splint treatment, not as a standalone solution.
Advanced Interventions (When Indicated)
For cases that do not respond adequately to conservative treatment, additional options are available. Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections into overactive jaw muscles can provide significant relief for severe clenching. Intra-articular injections with hyaluronic acid or corticosteroids can reduce joint inflammation. Arthrocentesis, a minimally invasive joint lavage, can release a locked disc.
Long-Term Monitoring and Συντήρηση
TMJ disorders often benefit from ongoing management. Regular follow-up appointments allow your dentist to adjust your splint, monitor joint health, and modify your treatment plan as symptoms evolve. Many patients find that with proper management, their symptoms are well-controlled long-term with minimal ongoing intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do TMJ disorders go away on their own?
Some mild TMJ flare-ups related to temporary stress or muscle tension can resolve within a few weeks with self-care measures. However, chronic or recurring symptoms usually require professional treatment to prevent progressive joint damage. If your symptoms persist for more than two to three weeks, a dental evaluation is strongly recommended.
What does a TMJ night guard (splint) do?
A custom occlusal splint repositions your jaw into an optimal, relaxed position while you sleep, reducing the forces generated by clenching and grinding. It protects your teeth from wear and fracture, relieves strain on the jaw muscles, and reduces pressure on the joint disc. Over-the-counter guards are not recommended as they can worsen some TMJ conditions.
Can stress cause TMJ problems?
Stress is one of the most significant contributing factors in TMJ disorders. Stress triggers unconscious jaw clenching and teeth grinding, which overworks the jaw muscles and places excessive pressure on the joints. Many patients notice their TMJ symptoms worsen during stressful periods. Stress management is an important part of comprehensive TMJ treatment.
Is jaw clicking always a sign of TMJ disorder?
Occasional, painless jaw clicking is very common and does not always indicate a disorder requiring treatment. However, clicking accompanied by pain, progressive limitation of mouth opening, or locking warrants professional evaluation. Clicking occurs when the articular disc moves out of and back into its normal position during jaw movement.
Can TMJ disorders cause headaches?
Yes, TMJ-related headaches are extremely common and are frequently misdiagnosed as tension headaches or migraines. Pain from the jaw muscles and joints can radiate to the temples, forehead, and behind the eyes. If you have chronic headaches that have not responded to typical headache treatments, a TMJ evaluation may reveal the true source.
Is TMJ treatment painful?
Conservative TMJ treatments, including splint therapy, physiotherapy exercises, and medication, are not painful. Some patients experience initial adjustment discomfort when first wearing a splint, which resolves within a few days. Even advanced treatments like Botox injections involve only minor, brief discomfort.
How long does TMJ treatment take to work?
Many patients notice improvement within two to four weeks of starting splint therapy and exercises. Significant muscle relaxation and pain reduction typically occur within one to three months. Complex cases involving disc displacement or joint degeneration may require longer treatment. Consistency with wearing the splint and performing exercises is key to success.
Can TMJ disorders cause ear symptoms?
Yes. The temporomandibular joint sits directly in front of the ear canal, and TMJ disorders frequently cause earache, a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, tinnitus, and even dizziness. These symptoms often lead patients to see an ENT specialist first, but when no ear pathology is found, TMJ should be investigated.
Should I avoid certain foods if I have TMJ problems?
During active TMJ flare-ups, avoid hard, chewy, and crunchy foods that strain the jaw, such as raw carrots, apples, tough meat, hard bread, and chewing gum. Cut food into small pieces, chew evenly on both sides, and stick to softer foods until symptoms improve. Avoiding wide mouth opening, including big yawns, also helps.
Does BestDent use Botox for TMJ treatment?
Yes, BestDent offers botulinum toxin injections as part of our TMJ treatment options for patients with severe muscle-related TMJ pain or bruxism that has not responded adequately to splint therapy alone. The injections relax the overactive masseter and temporalis muscles, providing significant relief that typically lasts three to six months.
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This information is for general informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult your dentist for treatment options.
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