Temporomandibular joint
Jaw joint pain, clicking, locking and dislocation.
Duration
30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the technique
Anaesthesia
Local, sedation or general
Hospital stay
Usually a day case
Recovery
Gradual return to activities, rehabilitation over several weeks
Temporomandibular joint disorders show as pain in front of the ear, clicking, limited mouth opening, locking, recurrent dislocation, or associated headaches and neck pain. Teeth grinding (bruxism) and stress are common aggravating factors.
Treatment is conservative first: an occlusal splint, physiotherapy, correcting habits, pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medication, and sometimes botulinum toxin injections into the chewing muscles. Surgery (arthrocentesis, arthroscopy, open surgery) is only considered if these fail, for a precise indication confirmed by imaging.
The protocol, step by step.
- Step 1
Assessment
Clinical examination of mouth opening, the bite and the muscles, with imaging (MRI, CBCT) if needed.
- Step 2
Conservative treatment
Occlusal splint, physiotherapy, painkillers and advice on protecting the joint.
- Step 3
Targeted treatment
Joint or botulinum toxin injections, arthrocentesis for persistent locking.
- Step 4
Surgery and follow-up
Arthroscopy or open surgery for a strict indication, followed by supervised rehabilitation.