In short
- 01TMJ affects daily functionJaw joint disorders can affect swallowing, speaking and chewing, so it is worth seeing a specialist early.
- 02Splints and physical therapyA night splint or physical therapy can ease pain and improve jaw movement in many cases.
- 03Surgery is rareSurgery is only considered when other treatments have not resolved a specific joint problem.
Pain is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Facial pain can come from almost any tissue in the area, and sometimes there is no visible cause for it. Jaw joint disorders and facial pain are common problems, and understanding them makes it easier to find the right treatment. A proper examination, with a clear picture of the jaw joint’s anatomy, is the starting point.
What causes facial pain?
Facial pain that keeps coming back can get in the way of daily life. It often relates to a dental problem, for example a toothache that causes swelling and pain affecting either side of the face.
What is a jaw joint disorder?
A jaw joint disorder, often called a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, affects the joint that lets you swallow, speak and chew. It can also cause pain in the surrounding area, and has been linked to tinnitus in some patients. See a specialist even for a minor symptom, since it can affect your quality of life if left unchecked.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms vary from person to person, but commonly include jaw joint pain, stiffness or noise in the joint, and headaches around the jaw. Recognising the symptoms early makes treatment more likely to succeed.
What causes jaw joint disorders?
Several factors can cause a jaw joint disorder:
- Stress
- One-sided chewing
- Teeth clenching and grinding
- Incorrect prosthetic work
- Injuries and accidents
Physical therapy and splints
Treatment starts with a detailed assessment of your symptoms, including pain levels, how far the jaw can move, and the condition of the muscles and tissues around the joint.
Physical therapy is a common approach. Sessions with a physiotherapist aim to strengthen the muscles around the jaw joint, improve flexibility, and help regulate jaw movement, tailored to your needs.
A splint, usually worn at night, is another option. It supports the jaw joint and can reduce pain by adjusting the position of the jaw, which can help when grinding or clenching is the cause.
Medication and other options
Pain relief and anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and sometimes antidepressants can help control symptoms, though medication is not right for every patient and should only be taken on a doctor’s prescription. In some cases, a specialist may consider botulinum toxin (Botox) injections; this is decided on an individual basis.
Surgery is rarely needed and is usually a last resort, aimed at correcting a specific problem in the joint. Lifestyle changes can also help. Managing stress, paying attention to sleep, and choosing soft, easy-to-chew foods all reduce the load on the jaw joint.
With any surgical or interventional procedure, results can vary from person to person.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does treatment with a jaw splint last?
A splint can ease joint discomfort. How long it takes depends on how the splint is measured, made and fitted, but it is typically completed in 2 to 3 sessions.
How can I tell if a jaw joint problem is recovering?
Recovery time varies from person to person and depends on how severe the symptoms were. If you can walk, eat and speak without difficulty, that is a sign of a healthy recovery.
Why do facial muscles ache?
Facial muscle pain has several possible causes, most commonly teeth clenching and grinding. If it is not coming from the chewing muscles, it may involve the jaw muscles instead. A specialist can assess this in detail.
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