For Patients
Recognising and interpreting jaw-joint complaints.
Jaw-joint complaints – such as pain, clicking or restricted mouth opening – can have various causes. In some craniofacial conditions the jaw joint is also affected. A targeted assessment helps to gauge what is behind it and which measures may be sensible. Much can initially be addressed with gentle methods.
Such complaints are common and not always a sign of a serious condition. An assessment provides clarity.
Depending on the situation, the assessment includes a conversation, a clinical examination and, if needed, imaging. Often gentle, non-surgical measures are tried first – for example physiotherapy, a splint or pain management. Whether further steps are needed is decided individually.
With persistent or increasing pain, marked restriction of mouth opening or locking, consult your care team or a specialist for jaw joints.
That jaw-joint complaints are common and are often first addressed non-surgically is established.
The cause and suitable treatment are very individual; in craniofacial conditions the joint may be involved to varying degrees.
The role of individual procedures, especially surgical ones, is still discussed and weighed up case by case.
We advise affected people and professionals – confidentially and in your language.
Get in touchUsually not. Such complaints are common and can often be improved with gentle measures. If they persist or increase, an assessment is sensible.
Usually not. Non-surgical measures are often tried first. Whether a procedure is an option is weighed up individually.
In some craniofacial conditions the jaw joint is also affected. Whether and how varies individually and is taken into account during the assessment.