TMJ consultations and specialist treatment
A comprehensive, specialist-led TMJ service covering assessment, non-surgical management, injections, and surgery - all stages managed by Ms. Soudeh Chegini, Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon.
Specialist service: This treatment is provided by Ms. Soudeh Chegini, Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, who practises on-site at New Forest Family Dental.
About the service
Understanding and treating TMJ disorders
The temporomandibular joints connect your lower jaw to your skull, just in front of each ear. TMJ disorders affect these joints and the muscles that control jaw movement, causing pain, clicking, headaches, and restricted opening in varying combinations.
TMJ conditions span a wide spectrum of severity and are often overlooked. Many patients respond well to conservative treatment; others require injections, joint procedures, or surgery. When general dental management has not provided adequate relief, specialist input makes a critical difference.
At New Forest Family Dental, all TMJ care is managed personally by Ms. Soudeh Chegini, Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. Ms. Chegini follows a structured, evidence-based pathway - always starting with the most conservative appropriate approach and progressing logically when needed.
The full service
Comprehensive specialist TMJ care
Comprehensive specialist service
The complete TMJ consultation and treatment service - covering every stage from initial assessment through to complex surgical intervention.
Full imaging suite
Access to OPG, CBCT, and MRI imaging ensures every case is fully investigated with the most appropriate modality.
Structured treatment pathway
A graded, evidence-based pathway from conservative through to interventional and surgical management.
Full range of interventions
Splints, Botox injections, physiotherapy prescription, arthrocentesis (joint lavage), arthroscopy, and open joint surgery where indicated.
Multidisciplinary approach
Where appropriate, Ms. Chegini works alongside physiotherapists, pain specialists, and other clinicians to deliver integrated care.
Continuity of care
Ms. Chegini manages all stages of your TMJ care personally, ensuring complete continuity and a therapeutic relationship you can rely on.
Treatment pathway
A structured path from assessment to resolution
- 1
New patient consultation
Comprehensive assessment of your symptoms, medical history, dental history, and psychosocial factors relevant to your TMJ condition.
- 2
Investigation and imaging
Appropriate imaging is arranged - OPG, CBCT for bony changes, or MRI for soft tissue and disc assessment.
- 3
Diagnosis and staging
A specific diagnosis is established and the severity of the condition is staged to guide the treatment approach.
- 4
Non-surgical management
Splint therapy, physiotherapy, medication, dietary advice, and lifestyle modifications. Most patients improve significantly at this stage.
- 5
Procedural/injection phase
For patients not responding adequately, Botox injections or arthrocentesis (joint lavage) are offered as the next step.
- 6
Surgical phase if required
A small minority of patients with structural pathology may require arthroscopic or open joint surgery. This is considered only after all other options are exhausted.
Who is it for?
All TMJ conditions, all severity levels
TMJ treatment may be appropriate if you experience any of the following:
- All TMJ disorders - mild, moderate, and severe
- TMJ clicking, popping, and crepitus
- Jaw locking (open or closed lock)
- Acute or chronic TMJ pain
- Myofascial pain and muscle hyperactivity
- Headaches and ear pain related to jaw clenching
- Bruxism-related TMJ complications
- TMJ arthritis (osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis)
- Internal derangement with disc displacement
- Condylar abnormalities
- Facial muscle tenderness
- TMJ pain unresponsive to previous GP or dental management
- Post-surgical TMJ pain
Ready to get answers?
Book your TMJ consultation
Whether you're newly diagnosed or have tried multiple treatments without success, Ms. Chegini can help.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What is TMJ disorder?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint - the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull. TMJ disorder (or TMD) is a term covering a range of conditions affecting this joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. Symptoms can include pain, clicking, restricted movement, and headaches.
What causes TMJ problems?
TMJ disorders can be caused by teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw clenching, stress, injury, bite problems, arthritis, or disc displacement within the joint. Often, multiple factors contribute. A thorough assessment helps identify what's driving your particular symptoms.
What is included in a TMJ consultation?
A full TMJ consultation includes a comprehensive history of your symptoms, clinical examination of the joints and masticatory muscles, review of any existing radiographs, and arrangement of further imaging if needed. A diagnosis and treatment plan are provided at the end of the consultation.
What is a splint and how does it help?
A dental splint (or nightguard) is a custom-made appliance that fits over your teeth and is typically worn at night. It helps by reducing the force of clenching, protecting the teeth and joints, and encouraging the jaw muscles to relax.
Is Botox used for TMJ treatment?
Yes - botulinum toxin injections temporarily weaken the masseter and temporalis muscles, reducing their ability to generate excessive force. This significantly reduces pain in patients with bruxism and muscle hyperactivity. The effect lasts approximately four to six months and is offered by Ms. Soudeh Chegini.
What is arthrocentesis?
Arthrocentesis involves flushing the upper joint space with saline solution under local anaesthetic. It removes inflammatory mediators and debris from the joint, and often produces significant pain relief and improved opening in patients with painful joint conditions.
What is TMJ arthroscopy?
TMJ arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed under general anaesthetic in which a tiny camera and instruments are introduced into the joint space to diagnose and treat intra-articular pathology - including disc adhesions, degenerative changes, and inflammatory conditions.
Will I need surgery?
The vast majority of TMJ cases are managed successfully without surgery. We always begin with conservative, reversible treatments and only consider more invasive options when these have not provided adequate relief.
How long will treatment take before I feel better?
Many patients experience meaningful improvement within four to twelve weeks of beginning conservative management. Complex cases may take longer. Realistic, honest expectations are discussed at every appointment.
Do I need a referral to see Ms. Chegini for TMJ?
No. You can contact the practice directly to arrange a TMJ consultation with Ms. Chegini. If you have been referred by your GP or dentist, please bring any referral letters and imaging.
Ready to meet your new dental team?
Same-day appointments available · Denplan members welcome