Professional dental services including routine care, restorative treatments, and aesthetic procedures. We provide comprehensive oral healthcare with attention to comfort.
Professional dental services including routine care, restorative treatments, and aesthetic procedures. We provide comprehensive oral healthcare with attention to comfort.Relief from jaw pain and dysfunction starts here. Our comprehensive TMJ treatment approaches address temporomandibular joint disorders through conservative therapies, custom appliances, and lifestyle modifications to restore comfortable jaw function.
TMJ treatment encompasses various therapeutic approaches designed to relieve pain and restore normal function to the temporomandibular joints that connect your jaw to your skull. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, improving jaw mechanics, and addressing underlying causes of dysfunction.
Duration: 4-12 weeks for initial improvement
Approach: Conservative, non-invasive treatments
Consultation: Complete TMJ assessment included
Complex Joint Structure The TMJ is one of the most complex joints in the body, involving bones, muscles, ligaments, and a cushioning disc that must work together for proper jaw function.
Movement Mechanics These joints allow your jaw to move up and down, side to side, and forward and backward, enabling speaking, chewing, and facial expressions.
Muscle Coordination Multiple muscle groups work together to control jaw movement, and dysfunction in any component can create pain and limited mobility.
Myofascial Pain Muscle-related TMJ problems involving the muscles that control jaw movement, often caused by tension, stress, or overuse.
Internal Joint Derangement Problems with the joint’s internal structures, including disc displacement or damage to the cushioning disc within the joint.
Degenerative Joint Disease Arthritis and other degenerative conditions affecting the TMJ, causing inflammation, pain, and reduced mobility over time.
Jaw Pain and Stiffness Persistent pain in the jaw joint area, muscle stiffness, and difficulty opening the mouth fully, especially in the morning.
Joint Sounds Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing the mouth, which may or may not be accompanied by pain.
Functional Limitations Difficulty chewing, speaking, or yawning due to pain or restricted jaw movement, affecting daily activities and quality of life.
Comprehensive Examination We conduct thorough assessment of jaw movement, muscle palpation, joint sounds evaluation, and bite analysis to identify dysfunction patterns.
Medical History Review Discussion of symptoms, pain patterns, triggers, and previous treatments helps us understand your specific TMJ condition and contributing factors.
Advanced Imaging When necessary, specialized imaging studies help evaluate joint structure, disc position, and bone changes within the temporomandibular joints.
Jaw Rest and Modification Activity modification including soft diet recommendations, avoiding extreme jaw movements, and reducing habits that stress the joints.
Heat and Cold Therapy Application of moist heat to relax muscles and reduce stiffness, alternated with cold therapy to control inflammation and pain.
Gentle Jaw Exercises Specific stretching and strengthening exercises designed to improve jaw mobility, reduce muscle tension, and restore normal function.
TMJ Splints Custom-fitted appliances worn to reposition the jaw, reduce muscle tension, and protect the joints from harmful grinding and clenching forces.
Bite Guards Specialized guards designed to optimize jaw positioning while protecting teeth from grinding damage that can worsen TMJ symptoms.
Repositioning Appliances Advanced appliances that guide the jaw into optimal position to reduce joint stress and allow healing of inflamed tissues.
Anti-inflammatory Medications Targeted use of NSAIDs and other medications to reduce joint inflammation and provide pain relief during active treatment.
Muscle Relaxation Techniques Stress management, relaxation training, and breathing exercises to reduce muscle tension that contributes to TMJ dysfunction.
Trigger Point Therapy Treatment of specific muscle trigger points that contribute to TMJ pain through massage and pressure point techniques.
Soft Food Diet Temporary modification to softer foods reduces jaw stress and allows inflamed joints and muscles to heal during active treatment phases.
Chewing Modifications Techniques for reducing jaw stress during eating, including smaller bites, bilateral chewing, and avoiding hard or chewy foods.
Stress Reduction Since stress is a major contributor to TMJ disorders, we provide guidance on stress management techniques and lifestyle modifications.
Postural Awareness Improving head and neck posture reduces strain on jaw muscles and joints, particularly important for people with desk jobs or forward head posture.
Sleep Position Optimizing sleep position and pillow support to reduce nighttime jaw stress and promote healing during rest periods.
Most patients experience gradual improvement over 4-12 weeks of conservative treatment, with significant pain reduction and improved function.
Maintenance Strategies Ongoing use of exercises, stress management, and periodic appliance wear to prevent symptom recurrence and maintain jaw health.
Regular Monitoring Follow-up appointments to assess treatment progress, adjust appliances, and modify treatment approaches based on your response.
Prevention Focus Education about habits and activities that can trigger TMJ symptoms, helping you maintain long-term joint health and comfort.
We provide complete TMJ evaluation and treatment, combining multiple therapeutic modalities for optimal symptom relief and functional improvement.
Our preference for non-invasive treatments means we exhaust conservative options before considering more aggressive interventions.
Our precision-fitted oral appliances are designed specifically for your jaw anatomy and dysfunction patterns for maximum effectiveness.
We provide ongoing care and support to help you manage TMJ symptoms and maintain comfortable jaw function over time.
What causes TMJ disorders?
TMJ disorders can result from stress, teeth grinding, jaw injury, arthritis, or bite problems. Often multiple factors contribute, and treatment addresses the combination of causes affecting your specific condition.
Is TMJ treatment painful?
TMJ treatment itself is generally comfortable and focuses on pain relief. Some initial appliance adjustment may be needed, but treatments are designed to reduce rather than increase discomfort.
What should I expect during my TMJ consultation?
Your consultation includes comprehensive jaw examination, muscle assessment, bite analysis, discussion of symptoms and triggers, and development of a personalized treatment plan.
What can I expect during TMJ treatment recovery?
Most patients notice improvement within 2-4 weeks, with continued progress over 8-12 weeks. Recovery involves gradual pain reduction and improved jaw function with consistent treatment compliance.
How long does TMJ treatment take to work?
Initial improvement often occurs within days to weeks, while significant functional improvement typically develops over 2-3 months of consistent treatment and lifestyle modifications.
Night Guards for Teeth Grinding
Custom night guards that complement TMJ treatment by protecting against grinding damage that can worsen joint dysfunction.
Patient Check-ups
Regular monitoring of TMJ symptoms, treatment progress, and early detection of factors that may contribute to joint problems.
General Dentistry
Comprehensive dental care to address bite problems, dental issues, and other factors that may contribute to TMJ dysfunction.
Don’t let jaw pain control your life. Our comprehensive TMJ treatment approaches can help you regain comfortable jaw function and improve your quality of life through effective, conservative care.
The White House Dental Surgery
2 Copse Hill, Sutton, Surrey, UK, SM2 6AD
020 8642 0121
The White House Dental Surgery,
2 Copse Hill, Sutton, Surrey, UK, SM2 6AD
+44 (0) 20 8642 0121
thewhitehousehouse@soegateway.com