Frequently Asked Questions
TMJ Disorders
TMJ is the temporomandibular joint or jaw joint which connects the Jaw to the skull. A dysfunction of TMJ is called Temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD.
Symptoms of TMJ
Jaw clicking/popping is a sign of an unstable TMJ or jaw joint. It indicates that the disc or the cartilage between the two bones is not in the right position and is displaced. It indicates incoordination between the jaw and the disc.
Jaw locking is a sign of the dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint or TMJ. There can be many underlying causes depending on the type. An open jaw lock could be because of hypermobility of the joint, loose ligaments or muscular imbalance. A closed jaw lock indicates a stuck disc or cartilage ahead of the condylar head.
Pain on chewing can often be a sign of an inflammation in the jaw joint or TMJ. Hyperactive jaw muscles can also be a reason for pain on chewing.
Yes, TMJ can be one of the reasons for tooth pain. Imbalanced biting forces can affect the surrounding structures of the teeth leading to pain and tooth hypersensitivity. Improving the balance of the jaw can help in improving the teeth hypersensitivity and pain.
Headache and Orofacial Pain
Yes, Headache is a very common symptom of TMJ Disorder. Dysfunction of the jaw joint can cause hyperactivity of the Temporalis muscle of the head leading to Temporalis Headaches or Occipital Headaches.
Yes, TMJ disorders can cause Dizziness in some people. Tight jaw and neck muscles can affect balance and create a sensation of unsteadiness.
Yes, a lot of patients with TMJ experience Ear pain and Tinnitus. The jaw joint is located very close to the ear and inner ear structures affecting the muscles and ligaments in the ear causing ear related symptoms.
Yes, TMJ Disorder is actually the main cause of Facial Pain. It is due to an imbalance and hyperactivity in the facial muscles, structural incompatibility and inflammation in the TMJ.
Yes, it can. TMJ disorders can contribute to shoulder pain by causing increased tension in the jaw, neck, and upper shoulder muscles. Because these muscle groups work closely together, stiffness or overactivity in the jaw muscles can extend to the neck and shoulders, leading to pain, tightness, and discomfort.
Diagnosis of TMJ
A TMJ specialist will assess a combination of your symptoms, jaw movements, joint sounds, muscle tenderness, and mouth opening in order to diagnose a TMJ Disorder. If needed, imaging tests such as an X-ray, CBCT, or MRI may be recommended. An accurate diagnosis is important since TMJ symptoms can often resemble other conditions.
MRI is not required in every case of TMJ Disorder. Most TMJ disorders can be diagnosed with a detailed clinical examination. However, a specialist may recommend an MRI when there is a need to assess the soft tissues of the jaw joint, such as the disc.
There is no single “best” scan for every TMJ disorder. The right imaging depends on your symptoms and clinical findings. Your TMJ specialist may recommend an X-ray, CBCT, or MRI based on what needs to be evaluated. It is best to undergo only the scan that has been prescribed, as unnecessary imaging is often not required.
Treatment of TMJ
Yes. At Dr. Goyal’s TMJ and Orofacial Pain Clinic, we manage over 95% of TMJ disorders without surgery. Most patients respond well to conservative treatments such as TMJ splints, orthotics, medications, jaw exercises, lifestyle modifications, and other non-surgical therapies tailored to their condition.
A TMJ splint is a prescription-based oral appliance designed to balance and reduce strain on the jaw joints and muscles. The type and material of the splint are selected based on your specific TMJ condition, symptoms, and treatment goals to ensure the most effective results.
Myofunctional therapy is a series of guided exercises that help improve the function of the jaw, tongue, and facial muscles. For some TMJ patients, it can reduce muscle strain, improve jaw movement, and support long-term jaw stability as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Not in most cases. A regular night guard is designed to protect the teeth, but it does not address the underlying muscle and joint imbalance causing TMJ disorders. TMJ appliances should be custom-designed and precisely balanced to your individual condition for effective treatment.
Yes, when used in the right conditions. The effectiveness of TMJ injections depends on what is being injected—for example, lubricating injections can provide significant relief in selected cases. They work best when combined with appropriate therapies as part of a comprehensive TMJ treatment plan.
Living with TMJ
If you have a TMJ Disorder, it is best to avoid hard, chewy, and crunchy foods that put extra strain on the jaw joints. Foods such as nuts, chewing gum, tough meats, hard candies, and ice can worsen jaw pain and muscle fatigue, especially during a flare-up.
Yes. While stress is usually not the primary cause of TMJ disorders, it can sometimes make symptoms worse. Stress often leads to jaw clenching, teeth grinding, and increased muscle tension, which can aggravate jaw pain, clicking, and stiffness.
Yes, poor posture and certain sleeping positions can increase strain on the jaw, neck, and surrounding muscles, which may worsen existing TMJ symptoms. Improving posture and sleep habits can help support overall TMJ treatment.
TMJ disorders can gradually worsen over time. Persistent jaw pain, clicking, limited mouth opening, headaches, and muscle stiffness may become more frequent and affect daily activities. If left untreated, it may progress, to a closed lock condition and osteoarthritis. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can help prevent progression and improve quality of life.
TMJ Treatment in Mumbai
If you’re looking for TMJ treatment in Mumbai, consult a doctor who specializes in TMJ disorders and orofacial pain. At Dr. Goyal’s TMJ Clinic, we offer a detailed diagnosis and personalized, evidence-based non-surgical treatment plans, with a focus on
- TMJ Appliances,
- TMJ Orthotics
- TMJ Injections
- Arthrocentesis
- Osteopathic manipulation,
- Myofascial release,
- Myofunctional therapy,
- TMJ Lubrications,
- Overall Wellbeing and Posture.
The cost of TMJ treatment depends on the severity of your condition and the treatment required. Since most TMJ disorders can be managed without surgery, treatment is often more affordable than many patients expect. A consultation is the best way to determine the most appropriate and cost-effective treatment plan.
Yes. We offer appointment based online TMJ consultations (teleconsults) for patients. This allows you to discuss your symptoms, review reports, and receive expert guidance from the comfort of your home.