TMJ dysfunction treatment abroad at Asensio Advanced Dentistry in Valencia is led by Dr. Lucía Asensio Romero, specialist in oral medicine and orofacial pain.
More than 30% of the population has temporomandibular joint dysfunction — and the great majority do not know it. When the TMJ joint disc displaces, it can produce pain that radiates to the ears, head, face, neck, shoulders and arms — frequently misdiagnosed as migraine, neuralgia or ear problems. At Asensio, every TMJ case begins with 3D CT imaging and a full bite analysis before any treatment is prescribed.
The first consultation is completely free and includes a clinical assessment and diagnostic imaging. Call us on 0800 048 8058 or email office@dentalasensio.co.uk to book.
Symptoms of TMJ dysfunction
| Area | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Jaw and face | Chronic pain in front of or inside the ears, facial pain, jaw clicking or cracking, difficulty opening the mouth fully |
| Head and neck | Headaches, neck pain, shoulder pain, radiating pain down the arms |
| Ear symptoms | Tinnitus (ringing), blocked ears, vertigo — caused by proximity of TMJ to the ear canal |
| Teeth and bite | Bruxism (grinding), clenching, worn teeth, occlusal changes |
| Other | Facial numbness, visual discomfort, non-trigeminal neuralgia |
Causes of TMJ dysfunction
| Cause | How it affects the TMJ |
|---|---|
| Bruxism and clenching | Overloads the joint and surrounding musculature — the most common cause |
| Malocclusion (bad bite) | Uneven bite forces create asymmetric loading of the joint |
| Articular disc displacement | Disc moves out of position — produces clicking and pain, similar to a herniated disc in the back |
| Stress and emotional tension | Increases muscle tension and unconscious clenching |
| Postural habits | Prolonged muscle contractions from poor posture affect jaw alignment |
Treatment at Asensio
| Treatment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Occlusal splint (night guard) | Repositions the jaw and protects teeth from bruxism — first-line treatment for most cases |
| Bite adjustment (occlusal equilibration) | Corrects uneven bite forces that overload the joint |
| Invisalign orthodontics | Corrects underlying malocclusion contributing to TMJ dysfunction |
| Surgical intervention | Reserved for severe disc displacement cases unresponsive to conservative treatment |
Frequently asked questions
Can TMJ dysfunction be treated in one visit to Valencia?
The diagnostic assessment and fitting of an occlusal splint can be completed in a single visit. More complex cases involving bite correction or orthodontics require multiple appointments. We will give you a clear treatment plan and timeline at the free consultation.
Is TMJ dysfunction the same as bruxism?
Not exactly. Bruxism — grinding or clenching the teeth — is one of the most common causes of TMJ dysfunction, but TMJ dysfunction can also arise from malocclusion, disc displacement, stress or postural problems without bruxism being present.
Can TMJ dysfunction cause tinnitus?
Yes. The TMJ is located immediately in front of the ear canal and shares nerve supply with the ear. Disc displacement or joint inflammation can produce tinnitus, blocked ears and vertigo — symptoms often attributed to ear problems rather than the jaw.
Related guides
- Orofacial pain treatment — related conditions treated at Asensio
- Invisalign abroad — orthodontic correction of malocclusion contributing to TMJ
- Oral surgery abroad — surgical options for complex TMJ cases
- Conscious sedation — available for anxious patients
- How dental tourism in Spain works — planning your trip to Valencia
