Jaw Joint (TMJ) and Teeth Grinding Treatment

Treating jaw pain, clicking, limited opening and night-time grinding (bruxism) with night guards, physiotherapy and advanced methods where needed.

Duration

Night guard made in 2 visits

Anaesthesia

Not needed

Relief

Symptoms ease in 2 to 6 weeks

Approach

Conservative, reversible methods first

What is a jaw joint disorder?

The joint connecting the lower jaw to the skull and the chewing muscles around it can become painful and stop working properly when overloaded. This is called temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. The most common cause is stress and night-time clenching or grinding (bruxism).

Symptoms

• Pain in front of the ear or in the jaw, a tired jaw in the morning
• Clicking when opening and closing the mouth
• Limited opening or locking
• Headaches and neck pain
• Worn teeth, broken fillings, sensitivity to cold

Treatment

Night guard (occlusal splint)

A hard or soft splint made to fit your teeth protects them from clenching damage and relaxes the muscles. Worn at night, it noticeably reduces muscle pain within a few weeks.

Muscle relaxation

Botulinum toxin injections into the chewing muscles reduce over-contraction, easing pain and tooth wear. The effect lasts four to six months.

Physiotherapy and exercises

Jaw exercises, warm compresses, a soft diet and stress management are the foundation of treatment.

Advanced options

Joint lavage (arthrocentesis) or joint surgery is considered in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery department for cases that do not respond.

Bite and prosthesis

Missing teeth, high fillings or ill-fitting dentures can strain the joint. The assessment is therefore carried out jointly by the Prosthodontics and Oral Surgery departments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Medically reviewed by

Prof. Dr. Mustafa Cenk DURMUŞLAROral & Maxillofacial Surgery