TMJ Disorders

The 

temporomandibular (TMJ) joints

are where the jawbone meets the temporal bone of the skull. TMJ disorder can manifest in different symptoms, which include pain in the jaw joint, earache or

tinnitus

, difficulty chewing, locking of jaw and popping or squeaking of the jaw when moving. Specialists who diagnose and treat TMJ Disorder can include, GP, 

dentist

, 

orthodontist

, 

oral and maxillofacial surgeon

and 

ENT specialists

. Generally the disorder is treated non-surgically with techniques that include resting the jaw; using anti-inflammatory medication, stress management to relax muscles in the jaw and jaw exercises. Treatments can include, orthodontic braces and plates to fix uneven bites, irrigation of the joint or a cortisone or steroid injection. 

Joint replacement surgery

is considered a last resort option.