Non-Surgical Treatment

In most cases, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) can be effectively managed without surgery. Common treatments may include:

Pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication.
Bite splints or mouthguards to reduce strain on the jaw.
Physiotherapy and targeted jaw exercises.
Stress management and behavioural therapy.
Lifestyle adjustments, such as a soft diet and avoiding extreme jaw movements.

These treatments are provided through the TMJ Clinics, under the direction of A/Prof Dylan Hyam and Dr Samuel Kim. TMJ Clinics bring together a team of experienced clinicians, including dentists and physiotherapists, who focus on diagnosing and managing TMD with non-surgical approaches.

If surgical intervention is needed, patients are then referred to Capital Oral & Facial Surgery for specialist care with Dr Samuel Kim.

Recovery & Aftercare

Recovery times vary depending on the procedure. Common elements of postoperative care include:

Temporary swelling and discomfort.
Use of pain medications and antibiotics.
Diet restrictions (soft foods for several weeks).
Commitment to prescribed physiotherapy.
Regular follow-up appointments.

Successful outcomes depend not only on surgical expertise but also on your active participation in the treatment plan. Adhering to self-care, physiotherapy, and follow-up schedules is essential for the best results.

Risks & Considerations

As with all surgeries, TMJ procedures carry some risk, including:

Infection, nerve injury, or scarring.
Altered sensation near the surgical area.
Limited jaw movement or bite changes.
Rare complications from prosthetic joint replacement.

We discuss all risks and benefits thoroughly before proceeding with any treatment.

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)

Causes of TMD

The cause isn’t always clear, but TMD may result from:

Joint wear and tear (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis).
Trauma to the jaw.
Clenching or grinding teeth (often stress-related).
Changes in bite or dental work.
Degenerative connective tissue disorders.

Diagnosis

An accurate diagnosis is the first step to effective treatment. Our surgeons may:

Examine jaw movement and listen for joint sounds.
Check for muscle tenderness.
Assess your bite and tooth wear.
Order imaging (X-rays, CT, or MRI) for a detailed view.
Consider blood tests for underlying conditions.

Common Symptoms of TMD

Symptoms can range from mild to severely limiting. You may notice:

Pain when opening your mouth, chewing, or yawning.
Restricted jaw movement or “locking”.
Clicking, grating, or popping noises in the joint.
Clenching or grinding of teeth.
Headaches, migraines, or facial pain.
Earaches, ringing in the ears, dizziness.
An uncomfortable or uneven bite.

At Capital Oral & Facial Surgery, we diagnose and treat a wide range of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders—conditions affecting the jaw joints, surrounding muscles, and tissues. Your TMJs are located just in front of each ear, connecting your lower jaw (mandible) to the base of your skull. They allow you to speak, chew, and yawn, and contain a protective disc to cushion movement.

When these joints or related muscles are strained, injured, or inflamed, it can lead to a temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

When Is Surgery Needed?

At Capital Oral & Facial Surgery, surgery for temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) is always the last resort—recommended only after all non-surgical treatments have been tried, or when there is a clear, significant structural problem within the joint. Surgery aims to reduce or eliminate pain, restore jaw function, and improve your ability to eat, speak, and live comfortably.

Your surgeon will discuss the benefits, risks, and expected outcomes of each procedure and select the approach best suited to your diagnosis.

This is the most common and least invasive surgical option.
Under local or general anaesthesia, the joint is gently flushed (lavaged) with a sterile solution to wash away inflammatory by-products and, in some cases, introduce medications such as steroids or hyaluronic acid directly into the joint.
This can help relieve pain, reduce stiffness, and improve mobility.
Arthrocentesis does not remove adhesions, but it can be very effective for early-stage or less complex cases.
Performed under general anaesthesia, an arthroscopy involves making a tiny incision in front of the ear and inserting a miniature telescope (arthroscope) into the joint space. This allows your surgeon to directly visualise and treat problems inside the joint, such as adhesions, inflammation, or damage to the disc.
Arthroscopy is more precise than arthrocentesis and offers the benefit of both diagnosis and treatment in the same procedure, with a relatively quick recovery time.
TMJ Replacement is reserved for severe, end-stage joint damage. This procedure involves replacing the entire TMJ with a custom-made or stock prosthesis. It may be required for advanced arthritis, trauma, tumours, congenital abnormalities, or when previous TMJ surgeries have failed. TMJ replacement can dramatically improve quality of life, with many patients reporting a significant reduction in pain and improved jaw movement.

Why Choose Capital Oral & Facial Surgery?

Our surgeons combine specialist expertise with a personalised approach. We work closely with you—and, if needed, your dentist, physiotherapist, or other healthcare providers—to relieve pain, restore jaw function, and improve your quality of life.