TMJ CONDITIONS

TMJ Disease Summary

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.

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TMJ Disease Summary

Overview

What this means for you.

TMJ disease covers disorders of the temporomandibular joint, including arthritis and degeneration, disc displacement, and TMJ pathology. At Auckland TMJ Centre we use the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to measure pain intensity, and the Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS-8) to evaluate 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.

Pain assessment
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
Function assessment
Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS-8)
Spectrum
Arthritis · disc displacement · pathology
Approach
Minimally invasive techniques where possible

Is this for you

TMJ disease may present as:

  • Pain in the jaw joint
  • Jaw clicking or locking
  • Headaches
  • Difficulties with eating or speaking

What to expect

How we approach TMJ disease

During your initial assessment and follow-up appointments, we use standardised tools to monitor your pain and jaw function.

  • Standardised assessment

    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.

  • Minimally invasive techniques

    At Auckland TMJ Centre we diagnose and treat all forms of TMJ disease, using minimally invasive techniques where possible.

Common questions

Common questions about TMJ disease

What is TMJ disease?

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.

How is TMJ disease diagnosed?

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.

How is TMJ disease treated at Auckland TMJ Centre?

At Auckland TMJ Centre we diagnose and treat all forms of TMJ disease, using minimally invasive techniques where possible.

Related

Related care at Auckland TMJ Centre

Same surgeons

OMS Specialists

When surgery is required, it is carried out at OMS Specialists, our co-located oral and maxillofacial surgery practice. Same surgeons, same accredited facility, full-scope surgical care across jaw, facial, oral, and skin conditions.

Visit OMS Specialists