TMJ and Facial Pain

Alleviate your jaw clicking and facial pain and with a variety of safe and effective treatment options. Reduce the discomfort and difficulty that comes with TMJ disorders and feel more comfortable.

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Understanding TMJ disorder and facial pain

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or the ‘jaw joint’, is the point on either side of the face where the lower jaw connects to the skull below the ear. Unfortunately, many people can suffer from dysfunction in these areas, known as TMJ dysfunction. Issues to each TMJ can cause difficulty in regular jaw movements including opening and closing, chewing and speaking.


TMJ disorder can also be made worse by myofascial pain, a similar condition that causes pain in the muscles of the face and associated structures, contributing to jaw pain. TMJ pain can be caused by problems or damage to the joint itself or the muscles and related structures around the joint. Common causes of TMJ include tooth grinding, muscle stress, dislocation and arthritis.

Signs and symptoms of TMJ

The most common signs of TMJ disorder are discomfort and pain in the jaw, particularly during different regular movements. In addition to the pain, some people may struggle to even open their mouths due to jaw stiffness, or will have a clicking jaw that ‘pops’ during movement.


Pain during chewing may also alter the way your teeth come together, causing an uncomfortable bite that may need to be corrected with other measures like orthodontics. The regular pain is also known to spread to associated areas like the temples, causing a painful TMJ headache, as well as leading to significant aching in the neck and shoulders.

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Treatment with Dr Hillel New

As CDIC’s leading dentist, Dr Hillel New has been providing patients with exceptional dental care for over 32 years. Dr New has built a vast reputation for providing quality, pain-free treatments in both cosmetic and implant dentistry, and is often called upon for his expertise in identifying and troubleshooting problems with dental implants.

His dental treatment philosophy centres around a commitment to evidence-based dentistry, and he believes in effective communication as the key to treatment success and positive long-term relationships with his patients.

Treatment for jaw pain

There are many different types of treatment for TMD and jaw pain. In some cases, TMJ pain may naturally go away without needing to be treated, but there are a variety of techniques to reduce the symptoms, including wearing an occlusal splint while sleeping, having a muscle massage in affected areas, and eating soft, small pieces of food to not put pressure on the jaw. Patients may also benefit from anti-inflammatory medication.

In addition to these standard treatments, more clinicians are adopting anti-wrinkle injections as a method of treating TMJ and facial pain. Patients must be deemed suitable for treatment through a consultation beforehand. If prescribed, TMJ injections can provide relief to affected areas for months at a time. The treatment of choice for an individual will vary depending on the cause of the problem. However, the best approach is usually a combination of treatments.

Dr. Hillel New received his Anti-Wrinkle Injection Training and Accreditation in the USA with the AAFE and is currently an associate member of that organisation.

Treating facial pain at CDIC

Our goal in all treatment is to deliver exceptional care with as little pain and hassle as possible. With decades of expertise and a commitment to patient care, there’s nowhere better to look after the health of your teeth and mouth.

We welcome all new patients from across Melbourne and interstate looking for the highest standard of care. Book in an obligation-free consultation today to find out how we can help you begin your smile transformation.