96 382 55 77
TMJ dysfunction (temporomandibular joint) is a disorder affecting the joint that connects the jaw to the skull, causing facial pain, clicking sounds when opening the mouth, jaw locking, and recurrent headaches that significantly impair the patient’s quality of life.
Jaw pain, crunching sounds when chewing, or a feeling of clogged ears are symptoms that many patients normalize for years without knowing they have a solution. Without treatment, TMJ dysfunction tends to become chronic, leading to muscle contractures, joint wear, and a cycle of pain that is difficult to break.
At Asensio Dental Clinic, Dr. Lucía Asensio Romero (Registration No. 46002287) is a specialist in TMJ dysfunction in Valencia. Diagnosis combines clinical examination, panoramic X-rays, and MRI when indicated. The first visit is completely free of charge.
Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction
Symptoms of TMJ dysfunction vary, and patients often attribute them to other causes—such as migraines, ear infections, or neck tension—without identifying the true source. The most characteristic symptom is pain in the preauricular area, jaw, or face, which can radiate to the neck, shoulders, or head. This pain usually worsens with chewing, prolonged speaking, or yawning, and it can be constant or appear in episodes.
Clicking or popping sounds when opening and closing the mouth indicate a displacement or wear of the articular disc. When the disc shifts abruptly, the patient may experience locking that prevents them from fully opening or closing their mouth—known as TMJ luxation or subluxation. A limitation in mouth opening below 35-40 mm is a relevant clinical sign that requires urgent evaluation.
The relationship between the TMJ and the ear is anatomical: the joint is just a few millimeters from the middle ear, so its dysfunction can cause pain radiating to the ear area, a clogged sensation, tinnitus (ringing), and even episodes of vertigo. Many patients first visit an ENT specialist, who rules out otological causes and refers them to the dentist. The orofacial pain associated with the TMJ is one of the most common forms of chronic facial pain.
Stress and bruxism are the most frequent aggravating factors. Sustained muscle contraction during sleep or in high-tension situations increases pressure on the joint, accelerates disc wear, and worsens pain. If you suspect you also have bruxism, visit our page on night guards.
Causes of TMJ Disorders
The causes of TMJ disorders are multifactorial, and in most cases, several factors combine. Dental malocclusion—misaligned teeth or an incorrect bite—is a common structural cause: when teeth do not fit together correctly, the jaw adopts compensatory positions that chronically overload the joint. Inadequate dental treatments, such as fillings that are too high or prosthetics that alter the bite, can also trigger or aggravate dysfunction.
Bruxism and emotional tension generate prolonged muscle contractions that produce physical overload on the TMJ. Congenital pathologies—such as mandibular hypoplasia or hyperplasia—direct trauma to the face or jaw, and metabolic or neurological disorders can also favor the appearance of condylar subluxations and musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the TMJ just like other joints in the body, generating inflammatory and degenerative processes that produce chronic pain.
Specialized Treatments for TMJ Dysfunction
Treatment for TMJ dysfunction is tailored to the severity and origin of each case. For most patients, conservative treatments are sufficient to resolve the problem without the need for surgery.
| Category | Treatment | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Conservative | Stabilization Splints | Resin devices that reduce muscle activity, redistribute bite forces, and protect the articular disc from wear. |
| Physiotherapy and Massage | Stretching and mobilization techniques that relax the masticatory muscles and improve the range of jaw movement. | |
| Pharmacological Therapy | Controlled doses of analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and muscle relaxants for the acute phase of pain. | |
| Minimally Invasive | Arthrocentesis | Joint lavage with saline solution to remove inflammatory particles and improve joint lubrication. |
| Injections and Botox | Botulinum toxin injections in the masseter muscles to reduce muscle hyperactivity and chronic pain. | |
| Surgical | TMJ Arthroscopy | Visualization and repair of damaged tissues through arthroscopic microsurgery. |
| Orthognathic Surgery | Surgical realignment of the maxilla and mandible to correct severe dentofacial deformities causing the dysfunction. |
This care is part of our oral medicine in Valencia specialty. If you also present generalized facial pain, visit our page on orofacial pain.
Frequently Asked Questions about TMJ Dysfunction
What is TMJ dysfunction?
It is a disorder affecting the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jaw to the skull. It causes pain in the face, jaw, and neck, joint clicking, locking when opening the mouth, and recurrent headaches. It is one of the most common causes of chronic orofacial pain and can be solved in most cases with conservative treatment.
Is there a cure for temporomandibular dysfunction?
In most cases, yes, especially when diagnosed early. Conservative treatments such as stabilization splints and physiotherapy resolve the problem for a high percentage of patients. More severe cases may require minimally invasive techniques like arthrocentesis or, exceptionally, surgery.
What is the difference between a stabilization splint and a repositioning splint?
A stabilization splint (night guard) reduces muscle activity and protects teeth from wear without changing the jaw’s position. A repositioning splint seeks to change the position of the mandibular condyle to relieve compression on the articular disc. The choice depends on each patient’s specific diagnosis.
Can ear pain be caused by the TMJ?
Yes. The temporomandibular joint is very close to the middle ear, so its dysfunction can cause pain radiating to the preauricular area, a clogged sensation, tinnitus, and even vertigo. If your doctor has ruled out otological causes and the ear pain persists, a TMJ evaluation is the next step.