Lots of people experience jaw pain at some point in their lives, but when it becomes persistent, it can impact speaking, eating and even sleeping. While occasional pain might go away on its own with rest, chronic or severe pain could be linked to problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This ginglymoarthroidal joint connects your lower jaw to the skull, and it’s vital for everyday movements such as chewing and talking. When the joint or surrounding muscles become painful or impact your ability to move your jaw, it’s recommended that you contact a TMJ specialist to diagnose and treat the problem.

Below, we have explored some of the most common causes of jaw pain, including temporomandibular disorders, and the treatment options available.

Common Causes of Jaw Pain

There are many different reasons why you might be experiencing jaw pain, and understanding the underlying cause is the first step towards getting some relief. In essence, TMJ pain can be divided into:

• Myofascial pain – caused by excessive clenching/grinding/bruxism and contributed to by stress and/or poor sleep.
• Internal joint derangement – where the joint doesn’t move as it should and can catch and lock, causing impingement on the retrodiscal tissues.
• Arthritis – which may be inflammatory or simple wear and tear osteoarthritis.

There are some other rare conditions and complaints, but these by far cover the majority.

Treatment Options for Jaw Pain

Thankfully, there are lots of ways to manage and reduce jaw pain, depending on its cause and severity. These treatment options range from simple self-care to advanced surgical procedures:

●      Self-Care and Home Treatment

Often, mild jaw pain can be managed at home. Simple things such as avoiding hard or chewy foods, taking painkillers, resting the joint and using a warm compress can provide some relief. Avoiding habits like grinding your teeth, chewing gum or biting your nails can also reduce strain and pain. While these methods may not fix TMJ dysfunction completely, they can ease discomfort and prevent the condition from worsening.

●      Non-Surgical Treatment

When home treatment isn’t enough, non-surgical options may be recommended. These may include physiotherapy exercises under the guidance of a physiotherapist or using a lower occlusal appliance at night. In some cases, targeted injections such as steroid injections or botulinum toxin injections may be used to relax the tension in the jaw muscles and reduce joint inflammation. These approaches can help some patients avoid the need for surgery.

●      Surgical Treatment

For more advanced or persistent cases, jaw joint surgery may be the most effective option. Procedures range from minimally invasive arthroscopy, which allows “keyhole” treatment of joint issues, to open surgery or even full joint replacement. The choice of surgery depends on the individual circumstances, and there will be a full and frank discussion about the risks, side effects and benefits. Surgery is usually only considered when other TMJ treatment methods have been unsuccessful or when joint damage is severe.

What Options Does Mr Elledge Offer?

Mr Elledge provides patients with a full range of advanced treatments for TMJ disorders.

Options include:

• Steroid Injections
• Botox (Botulinum Toxin) Injections
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Arthroscopy
• Open Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Surgery
• Total Temporomandibular Joint Replacement (TMJR)

 

Every treatment plan is carefully tailored to patients’ specific needs, with a focus on relieving pain, restoring function, and improving quality of life.

Book a Consultation

If you are struggling with persistent jaw pain, it may be time to speak to a TMJ specialist. For Mr Elledge, patient care is the top priority, and all consultations take place in private clinics across Birmingham and the West Midlands with an established Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon who specialises in TMJ disorders. Book a consultation with us online today.