Jaw joint treatment (TMD)

When should TMD be investigated?

Typical signs that make an examination worthwhile are pain or an audible or noticeable clicking in the jaw joint, restricted, painful or irregular mouth opening, tender tension in the chewing and neck muscles, and teeth grinding or clenching at night (bruxism), which partners are often the first to notice. Associated headaches, often in the morning, a diffuse feeling of pressure in the face, or ringing and pressure in the ears can also originate from the jaw joint, even if this does not seem obvious at first. If TMD is left untreated, the symptoms can worsen over the years and excessive wear can visibly damage the teeth.

What do diagnosis and treatment involve?

It begins with a thorough clinical functional analysis: I systematically check the range of motion and sounds of the jaw joint, the condition of the chewing muscles by targeted palpation and the way your teeth bite together, supplemented by imaging if necessary. Based on these findings, I draw up an individual treatment plan together with you. Depending on severity, a custom-made occlusal splint (bite splint) to relieve the joint, targeted exercises or a referral to physiotherapy, or – especially with pronounced bruxism and clearly enlarged chewing muscles – botulinum toxin treatment of the affected muscles may be used. If these measures are not enough, surgical procedures such as jaw joint lavage (arthrocentesis) are an option, which I perform at University Hospital St. Pölten. In more complex or long-standing cases, I work closely with orthodontists, physiotherapists or ENT specialists to identify all contributing factors.

How does treatment progress?

TMD symptoms usually do not improve overnight but gradually over several weeks, as the muscles and joint need time to adapt to the changed, relieved load. An occlusal splint is usually worn at night and checked regularly at follow-up appointments and readjusted if necessary to achieve the best possible effect. Relaxation exercises for the chewing muscles, stress reduction and changing habits such as chewing gum or clenching also support the treatment. Most patients notice a clear improvement within a few weeks.

What does treatment cost?

I offer diagnosis and treatment of jaw joint problems in my practices in St. Andrä-Wördern, Thörl and Frankenfels. There, functional analysis and consultation are covered by statutory health insurance at the official rates – there are no additional costs for you. You can also get custom-made occlusal splints from the dental laboratory in these three practices. For botulinum toxin treatment of the chewing muscles, I issue an invoice (Honorarnote) that you can submit to your health insurer; the insurer decides on reimbursement. Surgical procedures on the jaw joint take place at University Hospital St. Pölten. I will be happy to explain the individual treatment steps and the associated costs at the first examination.

Personal consultation before every treatment

Before every treatment I take time for a detailed personal consultation: together we go through your medical history, discuss realistic expectations and answer all open questions before you decide on an appointment. Only with a complete medical history and a careful examination can I assess whether a treatment is suitable for you and which approach makes sense in your case.

Frequently asked questions

How do I recognise TMD?

Typical signs are pain or clicking in the jaw joint, restricted or painful mouth opening, tension in the chewing and neck muscles, and teeth grinding or clenching at night. Morning headaches, a feeling of pressure in the face or ringing in the ears can also originate from the jaw joint.

Does an occlusal splint help against teeth grinding?

A custom-made occlusal splint relieves the jaw joint and chewing muscles. It is usually worn at night and readjusted at follow-up appointments. If that is not enough, targeted exercises, physiotherapy or botulinum toxin treatment of the chewing muscles are options.

How quickly do symptoms improve?

Usually gradually over several weeks, because the muscles and joint first need to adapt to the relief. Most patients notice a clear improvement within a few weeks.

Does health insurance pay for TMD treatment?

Functional analysis and consultation are covered by statutory health insurance in my practices in St. Andrä‑Wördern, Thörl and Frankenfels, without additional costs. For botulinum toxin treatment of the chewing muscles you receive an invoice (Honorarnote) that you can submit to your health insurer; the insurer decides on reimbursement.