TMJ Treatment

What Is TMJ Disorder

The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are the two small joints located just in front of each ear that connect your lower jaw (mandible) to the base of your skull. These joints work together with muscles, ligaments, and the jaw disc to allow you to open and close your mouth, chew, speak, and yawn.

TMJ disorder, sometimes referred to as TMD (temporomandibular disorder), is a term for conditions that affect these joints and the surrounding muscles. It can involve one or both sides and may develop gradually or follow an injury or period of stress.

TMJ problems are relatively common. Many people in the Croydon and eastern Melbourne area experience jaw-related symptoms at some point, particularly during periods of stress or after dental work. At Divine Dental Care, we see patients from Ringwood, Heathmont, Mooroolbark, Bayswater, and surrounding suburbs who are seeking assessment and management of jaw pain and related symptoms.

Book a TMJ assessment: call (03) 9725 8040 or book online. Our Croydon practice is open six days a week, Saturdays included, with parking on site.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorder can present in different ways, and symptoms may come and go or be persistent. Common signs include:

• Pain or tenderness in the jaw, particularly around the joint area in front of the ear
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth
• Difficulty or discomfort when chewing
• The jaw locking in an open or closed position
• Headaches, particularly around the temples or behind the eyes
• Earache or a sensation of fullness in the ear (without infection)
• Neck, shoulder, or upper back tension
• Changes in how the teeth fit together

Not all jaw clicking indicates a problem that requires treatment. However, if clicking is accompanied by pain, restricted movement, or other symptoms, it is worth having the joint assessed.

Common Causes

TMJ disorder can result from a combination of factors rather than a single cause. Contributing factors may include:

• Bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching): sustained clenching, particularly during sleep, places significant load on the jaw joints and muscles. Many people are unaware they grind until a dentist identifies wear patterns on the teeth
• Stress and muscle tension: stress commonly manifests as jaw clenching or muscle tightness in the head and neck region
• Bite irregularities: the way the upper and lower teeth meet can influence how forces are distributed across the jaw joints
• Injury or trauma: a direct blow to the jaw, whiplash, or prolonged wide opening (such as during lengthy dental procedures) can trigger symptoms
• Arthritis: degenerative changes within the joint itself, including osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis
• Disc displacement: the small cartilage disc within each joint can shift out of its normal position, causing clicking or locking

How We Assess TMJ Problems

At Divine Dental Care in Croydon, assessment of TMJ symptoms typically involves:

• Clinical examination: your dentist will palpate the jaw joints and muscles, observe your jaw movement, listen for joint sounds, and assess your range of opening
• Dental examination: checking for signs of teeth grinding such as worn tooth surfaces, cracked teeth, or evidence of clenching
• Bite analysis: evaluating how your teeth come together and whether the bite may be contributing to joint stress
• Imaging: we have in-house CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) which provides detailed 3D images of the jaw joints, condyles, and surrounding bony structures. This level of imaging can reveal joint changes that standard dental X-rays cannot show

The CBCT scan is particularly valuable for assessing the bony components of the joint, identifying degenerative changes, and planning treatment. Not all TMJ cases require advanced imaging. Your dentist will recommend it when the clinical picture warrants a closer look at the joint anatomy.

Treatment Options

TMJ treatment is tailored to the individual, as the causes and severity vary widely. At our Croydon practice, treatment may include one or a combination of the following approaches:

Custom Occlusal Splints

A custom-made occlusal splint (also called a night guard or bite splint) is one of the most common treatments for TMJ-related bruxism and jaw clenching. The splint is fabricated from impressions of your teeth and is worn over the upper or lower teeth, typically at night. It works by repositioning the jaw, reducing clenching forces, and protecting the teeth from further wear.

Unlike over-the-counter mouthguards, a custom splint is designed specifically for your bite and jaw position. We use digital impressions with our intraoral scanner to ensure precise fit.

Self-Care and Lifestyle Modifications

For mild to moderate symptoms, your dentist may recommend a period of self-care alongside professional treatment:

• Eating softer foods during flare-ups to reduce joint loading
• Applying warm compresses to the jaw area
• Avoiding wide yawning, gum chewing, and biting into hard foods
• Jaw relaxation techniques and awareness of daytime clenching habits
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication as needed (as advised by your dentist or GP)

Physiotherapy and Jaw Exercises

Specific jaw exercises can help improve mobility, strengthen the muscles around the joint, and reduce pain. Your dentist may demonstrate exercises or refer you to a physiotherapist experienced in TMJ management. Several physiotherapy practices in the Croydon and Maroondah area work with TMJ patients.

Bite Adjustment

In some cases, selective adjustment of the biting surfaces of teeth (equilibration) may be recommended to improve how forces are distributed across the jaw. This is only considered after thorough assessment and is not appropriate for all cases.

Referral for Complex Cases

If symptoms do not respond to conservative management, or if imaging reveals structural joint problems that require further intervention, your dentist may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or a TMJ specialist for further assessment.

TMJ and Teeth Grinding

Bruxism and TMJ disorder are closely linked. Many patients who present with jaw pain are found to be grinding or clenching their teeth, often unconsciously during sleep. Signs your dentist may identify include flattened or worn tooth surfaces, cracked or chipped teeth, notching at the gum line (abfraction), and tenderness in the jaw muscles upon waking.

If grinding is identified as a contributing factor, a custom splint can help protect the teeth while reducing the load on the joints. We also offer treatment for the dental damage caused by long-term grinding, including rebuilding worn teeth with composite bonding or crowns. See our teeth grinding splints page for more information.

When to Seek Help

You should consider having your jaw assessed if you experience persistent jaw pain, difficulty opening your mouth fully, regular headaches without a clear cause, or if your partner reports that you grind your teeth at night. Early assessment can help identify contributing factors and prevent the condition from becoming more difficult to manage over time.

Our Croydon practice is located at 59 Wicklow Avenue, about two minutes from Croydon Station, with on-site parking available. We are open Monday to Saturday. Call (03) 9725 8040 or book online to arrange an assessment.

Related Reading

• Jaw clicking, morning headaches and worn teeth: what they mean
• Signs you grind your teeth at night
• Teeth grinding splints