TMJ frequently asked questions

Question 1

My jaw only clicks and does not hurt. Does it still need treatment?

Accepted Answer

If there is no pain, we usually monitor it. However, if the sound gets louder, or comes with a catching feeling or difficulty opening, it is a good idea to have it diagnosed.

Question 2

How wide should my mouth open?

Accepted Answer

For adults, the gap between the upper and lower front teeth is usually about 40 mm or more (three finger-widths). If it is limited to 35 mm or less or suddenly opens less, it may be a joint disc problem and needs checking.

Question 3

How long does treatment take?

Accepted Answer

The first visit takes about 20–30 minutes, and muscle-related cases often improve with 4–8 weeks of self-care, physical therapy and splint therapy. Joint-related or chronic cases can take months; we explain after diagnosis.

Question 4

Is it related to grinding?

Accepted Answer

Grinding and clenching place continuous strain on the jaw joint and chewing muscles and are the most common factors that cause or worsen symptoms. In that case, an occlusal splint and habit management are combined.

Question 5

How does an occlusal splint work?

Accepted Answer

It is a thin custom appliance worn between the upper and lower teeth while sleeping that spreads the clenching force and lets the muscles and joint rest. It also prevents tooth wear. A few adjustments are needed after it is made.

Question 6

Do I have to keep wearing the splint?

Accepted Answer

Usually you start by wearing it while sleeping, and it is adjusted as symptoms change. Once you improve, you wear it less often; if grinding continues, some people keep using it to protect their teeth.

Question 7

Do you use Botox for the jaw joint?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as a supporting measure when the chewing muscles are very tense. However, managing the underlying cause (habits, splint) comes first, and repeated procedures have side effects, so whether to use it depends on the diagnosis and is explained at the consultation.

Question 8

Does health insurance cover TMJ treatment?

Accepted Answer

Consultation, X-rays, physical therapy and prescriptions are covered items, and occlusal splints are covered depending on conditions. We check whether you qualify at the consultation.

Question 9

What should I do if my mouth suddenly will not open?

Accepted Answer

Do not force it open; after a warm compress, move it slowly within a pain-free range, and see us as soon as possible. When the disc is caught, the earlier it is addressed, the faster the recovery.

Question 10

Can headaches also come from the jaw joint?

Accepted Answer

Headaches around the temples and severe morning headaches sometimes come from tension in the chewing muscles. If a neurological examination shows nothing abnormal and the jaw muscles hurt when pressed, we also look at temporomandibular disorder.

Question 11

I stopped treatment partway at another clinic. Can you continue it?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We check the state of the previous treatment carefully and then continue. We assess your current condition with a detailed diagnosis and draw up a new plan for the remaining treatment.

TMJ: 11 frequently asked questions