TMJ Treatment
in Orlando, FL | Temporomandibular Disorder
Trusted Relief From Jaw Pain
Jaw pain, clicking, headaches, and difficulty chewing are common symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). At Orofacial & Dental Implant Surgery, our oral surgeons provide safe, conservative TMJ care in Orlando, FL, focusing on long-term relief with or without Botox injections. TMJ disorders typically fall into three categories:
- Muscle-based TMJ — responds well to splints, physical therapy, and muscle relaxation strategies.
- TMJ Cartilage Displacement — a disc in the jaw joint that allows smooth movement; displacement can cause pain and clicking.
- Joint Degeneration or Arthritis — may cause stiffness, inflammation, and chronic pain.
A thorough evaluation is essential to select the correct treatment pathway.

Who Can Diagnose TMJ?
Functional Medicine for TMJ
Who May Benefit From TMJ Treatment
Patients may benefit if they experience:- Frequent jaw pain or stiffness
- Clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw
- Teeth grinding (bruxism), especially at night
- Tension or migraine headaches
- Facial pain or earaches without infection
Symptoms That May Require TMJ Evaluation
- Chronic jaw pain or tenderness near ears or temples
- Morning headaches or migraines
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
- Jaw locking or feeling stuck
- Tightness or tension in jaw muscles
- Facial pain or pressure around cheeks and temples
- Earaches or ringing (tinnitus) without infection
- Worn, cracked, or chipped teeth from grinding
- Neck or shoulder pain related to jaw tension
- Difficulty fully opening the mouth
- Fatigue in jaw after talking or eating
- Sensitivity in upper or lower jaw
- Facial asymmetry or swelling
Conditions That May Require TMJ Treatment
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)
- Bruxism – involuntary teeth grinding or clenching
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome
- Jaw Muscle Hypertrophy
- Tension-Type Headaches
- Facial Pain Syndrome
- Post-Traumatic TMJ Pain
- Occlusal Imbalance – bite misalignment
- Stress-Related Muscle Tension
- Recurrent Jaw Dislocation or Lockjaw
- Trismus – limited mouth opening
- Sleep Disorders with Jaw Involvement
- Facial Asymmetry from Muscle Overuse
- Orthodontic Relapse Due to Grinding
- Chronic Ear Pain Without Infection
TMJ Treatment Options
Conservative TMJ Therapy | Non-Surgical TMJ Treatment
- Custom Oral Appliances / Night Guards – Protect your teeth, relieve jaw tension, and improve alignment while you sleep.
- Bite Adjustment (Occlusal Equilibration) – Minor reshaping of teeth to balance your bite and reduce joint strain.
- Medication – Various types of medications can be prescribed to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, relax the jaw muscles and make jaw movement easier.
- Physical Therapy Referral – Jaw exercises, posture guidance, and modalities like TENS or ultrasound relax muscles and improve function.
- Trigger Point Therapy – Dry needling or anesthetic injections release tight jaw muscles and reduce discomfort.
- Lifestyle & Behavioral Therapy – Soft diet, jaw relaxation, stress management, and avoiding gum chewing can minimize flare-ups.
Minimally Invasive Procedures & Injections
- Arthrocentesis (TMJ Joint Flush) – Needle-based flush that removes irritants, reduces inflammation, and improves jaw movement.
- TMJ Arthroscopy – Small scope surgery to repair adhesions or disc issues while minimizing recovery time.
- TMJ Joint Injections - Botox® for TMJ – Injections such Botox®, corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid can temporarily calm inflammation, improve joint motion, relax overactive jaw muscles, reducing clenching, teeth grinding, and tension headaches. But these treatments may not address the underlying cause. We take a functional medicine approach to TMJ treatment; looking beyond symptoms to identify the root causes and providing personalized approach for lasting results.
TMJ Surgery
Our TMJ care approach is based in functional medicine, conservative, non-invasive treatment options designed to address underlying functional issues and improve symptoms. Surgical procedures for TMJ disorders, including those listed below, are outside the scope of this care model.
- Arthroplasty – Open joint repair or disc repositioning to restore function and relieve pain.
- Total Joint Replacement – Replaces a severely damaged joint to restore normal movement and eliminate chronic discomfort.
- Corrective Jaw Reconstruction / Orthognathic Surgery – Realigns jaw bones to improve bite, function, and comfort.
