TOKYO HIGH DENTAL CLINIC
TMJ Care
In brief
TMJ care examines pain, joint sounds and limited opening in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles to find the cause, then settles on an approach such as habit management or a splint.
General treatment is handled by Dr. Ahn Jin-gyu, a specialist in integrated dentistry, who looks at the mouth as a whole — including alignment, the jaw joint and chewing function. The same dentist stays with you from consultation to the end of treatment.
What is a TMJ disorder?
Sounds when you move your jaw, pain, or a mouth that will not open wide may point to the jaw joint and the muscles around it.
The temporomandibular joint connects the lower jaw to the skull
and takes part in every jaw movement used to speak, chew and swallow.
When pain or impaired function appears in this joint and the surrounding muscles and ligaments, it is called a TMJ disorder.
Similar symptoms can have different causes, so an examination is needed to identify them.
A TMJ disorder rarely has a single cause;
several factors usually overlap
Clenching the teeth or grinding them during sleep
Chewing habitually on one side only
Resting the chin on a hand or sleeping face down
A diet that often includes tough or hard food
Muscle tension from stress and lack of sleep
An uneven bite between the upper and lower teeth
Signs to look out for
Your jaw makes a sound
A click or a grating noise is heard when you open or close your mouth.
Your mouth will not open wide
The opening has narrowed so that three fingers no longer fit vertically.
Your jaw and face hurt
The area in front of the ear, the temple or the cheek feels stiff or painful when chewing.
Headache and stiffness follow
Headaches with no clear cause, a blocked feeling in the ear, or neck and shoulder stiffness may occur together.
Diagnostic process
- STEP 01
Interview about symptoms and daily habits
- STEP 02
Checking opening range, joint sounds and muscle tenderness
- STEP 03
Checking how the upper and lower teeth meet
- STEP 04
Radiographic imaging when necessary
- STEP 05
Explaining the findings and planning treatment
- STEP 06
Reviewing progress and adjusting the plan
Treatment approaches
Habit management
We identify habits that strain the joint — clenching, grinding, chewing on one side — and guide you in reducing them.
Medication and physical therapy
Medication, warm compresses or physical therapy may be combined to ease pain and muscle tension.
Occlusal stabilisation splint
A splint made for your own mouth is worn to distribute the forces placed on the joint and muscles.
Bite and orthodontic review
If the way the teeth meet is suspected as a cause, occlusal adjustment or an orthodontic approach is reviewed together.
Before you begin treatment
Similar symptoms can have different causes, so a treatment method cannot be decided without an examination.- Response and duration vary widely between individuals, and symptoms may not disappear immediately.
- While symptoms persist, it is better to avoid tough or hard food and chewing gum.
- Take care not to open your mouth too wide when yawning or laughing.
- Reduce resting your chin on your hand, sleeping face down, and chewing on one side only.
- If pain worsens or your mouth will not open, please visit the clinic without delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to have a crown after root canal treatment?
Yes. After root canal treatment the tooth becomes weak, so it must be reinforced with a crown to last a long time.
How often should I visit the dental clinic?
For orthodontics, usually every four to six weeks; for implants, regular check-ups after surgery; and for general treatment, a check-up every six months is recommended.
This treatment information was reviewed by our dental team on 2026-07-29.