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Award winning Specialist

TMJ Treatment London

(Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Treatment)

Temporomandibular joint disorder — also known as TMJ disorder or TMD — is a medical condition characterised by jaw pain, headaches, and clicking in your jaw. Effective TMJ treatments like those offered at Harley Street Specialist Hospital can minimise aches and pains around your jaw in just a few days. Learn more about getting TMJ treatment at our central London dental hospital.

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Consult with leading orthopaedic specialists

Same day imaging scans, diagnosis & treatment

Pain relief for headaches, jaws, head and neck pain

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Private TMJ treatments in central London

Private TMJ treatments in central London

The award-winning Harley Street Specialist Hospital provides exceptional dental care for privately insured and self-paying patients. We offer a range of proven treatments for temporomandibular joint disorder, including:

For many people, TMJ disorder causes significant pain in day-to-day life, making it hard to eat, speak, and concentrate on work. We know how important it is to eliminate this pain quickly and effectively so you can get back to the activities you love as soon as possible. That’s why we offer consultations and treatments without waiting lists, so you can get fast and effective jaw pain relief.Harley Street Specialist Hospital is based in the heart of London, so it’s easy to reach us. Book an appointment with our expert dental consultants to tackle your TMJ pain at our private oral and maxillofacial surgery.

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TMJ treatments available at Harley Street Specialist Hospital

Learn more about the TMJ treatments we offer at our award-winning dental hospital.

Non-surgical TMJ treatments

Some TMJ disorders can be treated using massage, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medication, muscle relaxants or changing the way you chew. Steroid injections into the affected joints may also help.

If bruxism (teeth grinding) contributes to your TMD, you may be given a dental appliance (similar to a mouth guard) to stop your teeth from rubbing against each other and properly align the jaw.

TMJ surgery

If non-surgical techniques don’t resolve your jaw joint pain, you might want to explore options for TMJ surgery.

There are several types of TMJ surgery, including open jaw surgery, keyhole surgery, and jaw replacement. You could be a candidate for TMJ surgery if you have severe and/or consistent pain in your jaw when opening or closing your mouth or a specific condition affecting your jaw — diagnostic imaging technology can confirm this.

Open jaw surgery options include:

  • Discopexy/meniscoplasty — A procedure to correct the disc placement in your jaw. Discs are a type of tissue that cushions the joint, preventing jaw pain.
  • Discectomy/meniscectomy — A procedure to remove and replace damaged discs that are causing TMJ pain.

Resection — Removal of part or all of the jaw, usually due to a tumour or diseased tissue. This may also include jaw reconstruction.

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Jaw joint arthroscopy

Jaw joint arthroscopy is a type of keyhole surgery used to diagnose and treat TMD. Under general anaesthetic, a small camera is inserted through an incision in your jaw to help your surgeon see any damage and determine the cause of your symptoms.

If possible, your surgeon will also remove or correct jaw tissue during this procedure. Jaw joint arthroscopy may also be combined with an arthrocentesis, which drains excessive fluid from the joint to ease swelling and reduce pain.

Jaw joint replacement

In severe or complex cases of TMJ disorder, a jaw joint replacement may be recommended. This complex surgery involves replacing the joints between the lower jaw and the base of the skull with custom-made artificial joints.

Jaw joint replacement can also be used if you’ve had severe trauma to your jaw, jaw bone removal due to a tumour, or a deep-seated bone infection.

Jaw joint arthroscopy

Jaw joint arthroscopy is a type of keyhole surgery used to diagnose and treat TMD. Under general anaesthetic, a small camera is inserted through an incision in your jaw to help your surgeon see any damage and determine the cause of your symptoms.

If possible, your surgeon will also remove or correct jaw tissue during this procedure. Jaw joint arthroscopy may also be combined with an arthrocentesis, which drains excessive fluid from the joint to ease swelling and reduce pain.

Jaw joint replacement

In severe or complex cases of TMJ disorder, a jaw joint replacement may be recommended. This complex surgery involves replacing the joints between the lower jaw and the base of the skull with custom-made artificial joints.

Jaw joint replacement can also be used if you’ve had severe trauma to your jaw, jaw bone removal due to a tumour, or a deep-seated bone infection.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy

PRP therapy is used to treat many different joint problems. For TMJ dysfunction, the procedure involves extracting platelets from your blood and re-injecting them into the damaged jaw to encourage cell repair and regeneration.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy

PRP therapy is used to treat many different joint problems. For TMJ dysfunction, the procedure involves extracting platelets from your blood and re-injecting them into the damaged jaw to encourage cell repair and regeneration.

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TMJ treatment FAQs

Find out more about treating temporomandibular joint disorder in these frequently asked questions.

There are some home treatments you can try for TMJ problems. These include:

  • Relieving pain with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen.
  • Jaw strengthening exercises.
  • Stress reduction techniques.
  • Eating softer foods and other dietary changes.

If these treatments aren’t effective, book an appointment at Harley Street Specialist Hospital for same-day assessment and diagnosis.

  • Eat hard or chewy foods (including chewing gum).
  • Clench your jaw (such as when you’re feeling stressed or tense).
  • Bite your fingernails.
  • Slouch and/or rest your chin on your hand.
  • Chew pens or other items.

Left untreated, TMJ pain can advance. This often leads to headaches and chronic jaw pain, as well as problems with your hearing and oral health. So, treating TMJ pain as early as possible is important to prevent longer-term problems.

It’s a good idea to get advice about your jaw pain if:

  • Home treatments for TMJ disorder haven’t worked.
  • You have severe or long-term jaw pain.
  • You’re having problems eating, drinking, swallowing, or talking due to jaw pain.

Harley Street Specialist Hospital has many experienced doctors and dentists who can help you manage TMJ pain while treating the underlying symptoms. Our tailored treatment plans will ensure you get the right treatment from the most relevant, experienced physicians.

If you’re seeking TMJ treatments through the NHS, booking a dental appointment for TMD is normally recommended. You may also be able to get a referral to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist through your GP (though there may be long waiting lists).

Why choose Harley Street Specialist Hospital for TMJ treatment?

With our evidence-based TMJ treatment plans, you’ll get individualised care at a time that works for you

At Harley Street Specialist Hospital, you can expect:

  • Fast dental assessment and diagnosis in our state-of-the-art imaging suite.
  • We offer a range of scans and tests to quickly and accurately diagnose the cause of your TMJ disorder.
  • Advice, support, and treatment from experienced dental consultants and surgeons based in our central London hospital.
  • Individualised treatment plans that revolve around your specific symptoms. You’ll be an integral part of the treatment and care process.
  • A comfortable, central London dental hospital location that’s easy to get to and prioritises patient health, comfort, and safety.
  • There are no waiting lists, so you’ll get convenient, effective care at a time that works for you.

We welcome patients with private medical insurance or those wishing to pay for their own treatment.

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Our temporomandibular joint treatment consultants