Question 1

What is TMJ disease?

Accepted Answer

TMJ disease refers to disorders affecting the temporomandibular joint, the small joint that connects your jaw to your skull. When this joint becomes inflamed, damaged, or misaligned, it can lead to pain, jaw clicking or locking, headaches, and difficulties with eating or speaking. At Auckland TMJ Centre we diagnose and treat all forms of TMJ disease, using minimally invasive techniques where possible.

Question 2

How are pain and jaw function assessed?

Accepted Answer

During your initial assessment and follow-up appointments, we use standardised tools to monitor your pain and jaw function. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) measures pain intensity, while the Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS-8) evaluates your ability to eat, speak, and move your jaw. These scores assist us in accurately diagnosing your condition, tracking progress, and tailoring your treatment plan accordingly.

Question 3

What are the common symptoms of TMJ arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Common symptoms include jaw pain (particularly when chewing or speaking), stiffness or restricted jaw movement, clicking, popping, or grinding noises, facial pain or headaches, and difficulty opening the mouth fully.

Question 4

What is TMJ disc displacement?

Accepted Answer

Within the jaw joint, there is a small disc that acts as a cushion between the bones. Sometimes this disc slips out of its normal position, a condition known as disc displacement. Common symptoms include clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth, jaw locking, jaw pain or tenderness, difficulty chewing or yawning, and occasional headaches or earaches.

Question 5

What is TMJ pathology, and is it serious?

Accepted Answer

Although uncommon, the temporomandibular joint can be affected by various pathological conditions, including benign growths, cysts, and malignant tumours. These may develop from bone, cartilage, or surrounding soft tissues. Early detection and accurate diagnosis are essential. Most benign conditions can be managed with conservative surgery and regular monitoring. Malignant tumours, though rare, require a coordinated multidisciplinary approach. At Auckland TMJ Centre our surgeons work closely with radiologists and pathologists to ensure thorough investigation and appropriate treatment for every case.

Question 6

What does multidisciplinary TMJ care look like?

Accepted Answer

At Auckland TMJ Centre, care is multidisciplinary. Surgeons, physiotherapists, rheumatologists, oral medicine, neurologists, and chronic pain teams contribute as required, ensuring each patient receives the right combination of specialist expertise for their TMJ presentation.

Conditions we manage at the TMJ

Eight TMJ conditions, one specialist practice

Eight conditions we treat

TMJ Arthritis / Degenerative Joint Disease

Symptomatic TMJ Disc Displacement

Inflammatory Joint Disease affecting the TMJ

TMJ Pathology

Traumatic Injuries involving the TMJ

TMJ Ankylosis

TMJ Recurrent Dislocation

Arthralgia / Myalgia involving the TMJ

OMS Specialists