Arthrogenic (joint-related) TMJ disorder
The disc inside the joint slips out of position, or the joint surfaces become worn or inflamed. TMJ symptoms include sharp pain near the ear, clicking or popping sounds, and restricted jaw movement.
Jaw pain or clicking?
See a TMJ specialist in London this week.
A TMJ disorder causes jaw pain, clicking, and restricted mouth opening. If symptoms last more than two weeks, a specialist assessment can identify the cause and start treatment. Book a same-week consultation with Mr Nabeel Bhatti, Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, at LIPS Healthcare, Battersea Power Station.
No Referrals Required
Jaw pain or clicking?
See a TMJ specialist in London this week.
A TMJ disorder causes jaw pain, clicking, and restricted mouth opening. If symptoms last more than two weeks, a specialist assessment can identify the cause and start treatment. Book a same-week consultation with Mr Nabeel Bhatti, Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, at LIPS Healthcare, Battersea Power Station.
No Referrals Required
What Is A TMJ Disorder?
A TMJ disorder (also called TMD) is a condition affecting the temporomandibular joint, the hinge that connects your lower jaw to your skull just in front of each ear. It causes jaw pain, clicking, locking, or difficulty opening your mouth.
There are two main types.
Myogenic (muscle-related) TMJ disorder
The jaw muscles become overworked through clenching, grinding (bruxism), stress, or poor posture. Signs of TMJ include a deep ache around the temples, tension headaches, and morning stiffness.
Many patients have a combination of both. A specialist assessment identifies which type you have, so treatment targets the right cause from the start.
What happens at your first TMJ consultation?
Everything from your first hearing test to long-term aftercare takes place at our audiology clinic at Battersea Power Station. No referrals to outside providers. Drop-in audiology appointments are also available for a quick first assessment.
Step 1
Your first appointment with Mr Bhatti at LIPS Healthcare, Battersea Power Station, is a 30 to 45 minute face-to-face assessment.
Step 2
He will review your TMJ symptoms, examine your jaw joints, muscles, bite, and teeth, and measure how far you can open your mouth.
If imaging is needed, LIPS has on-site radiology. An MRI or CT scan can often be arranged the same day.
Step 3
Before you leave, Mr Bhatti will explain your diagnosis, outline your treatment options, and agree a plan with you.
TMJ Treatment Options At LIPS Healthcare
Treatment for temporomandibular joint dysfunction depends on your diagnosis. Mr Bhatti takes a step-by-step approach, starting with the least invasive option. Every treatment below is available at LIPS.
Conservative treatment
Many TMJ conditions improve without surgery. Options include a custom occlusal splint (mouth guard) to reduce joint pressure, jaw physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and lifestyle changes such as a soft diet and stress management.
TMJ arthroscopy (keyhole surgery)
A minimally invasive day-case procedure under general anaesthetic. A tiny camera enters the joint through a 2 mm puncture in front of the ear. The joint is washed with sterile fluid to remove inflammatory chemicals and break down scar tissue. Most patients go home the same day.
Mr Bhatti may also inject Ostenil (hyaluronic acid) and i-PRF (platelet-rich fibrin made from your own blood) to lubricate the joint and promote healing. Published evidence supports both treatments for pain reduction and improved jaw function for up to 12 months.
Open jaw surgery
For severe joint damage, a displaced disc, or bony ankylosis (joint fusion), open jaw surgery may be needed. This is performed under general anaesthetic through a small incision that follows natural skin creases. Options include disc repair, disc removal, release of fusion, or total joint replacement. Hospital stay is one to two nights, with full recovery in four to six weeks.
Mr Bhatti recommends TMJ surgery only when simpler treatments have not worked or the condition requires direct surgical access.
Treatment comparison
| Conservative | TMJ arthroscopy | Open surgery | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anaesthetic | None | General | General |
| Stay | None | Home same day | 1 to 2 nights |
| Recovery | Weeks to months | 1 to 2 weeks | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Scarring | None | No visible scar | Fades over time |
| Best for | Early or muscle-related TMD | Disc displacement, adhesions | Severe damage, ankylosis |
Explore Related Packages
Maxillofacial
TMJ Initial Assessment
Referral
Not Required
Gender
Both
Add-ons
- TMJ Physiotherapy Assessment (+£135)
- TMJ Physiotherapy Package (+£595)
- Custom Michigan Splint Pathway (+£1250)
- Sleep Study Add-On (Referral Required) (+£395)
- Complete Sleep Assessment Add-On (Referral Required) (+£695)
- Pharmacy Support Add-On (POA)
£275
FAQs
No. You can self-refer to Mr Bhatti at LIPS Healthcare by calling the clinic or booking online. No GP or dentist referral is needed.
Common signs include pain near the ear, clicking or popping when opening your mouth, difficulty opening wide, jaw locking, and aching around the temples. If symptoms last more than two weeks, a TMJ specialist can identify the cause.
A maxillofacial surgeon holds dual qualifications in medicine and dentistry and is trained to surgically treat conditions of the jaw, face, and neck that go beyond general dental care. Mr Bhatti holds BDS, MBBS, and FRCS qualifications and is registered with the GMC.
No. TMJ arthroscopy is carried out under general anaesthetic, so you will not feel anything during the procedure. Mild soreness for a few days afterwards is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
After TMJ arthroscopy, most patients return to desk work in two to five days. After open jaw surgery, full recovery takes four to six weeks. Mr Bhatti provides a personalised recovery plan.
Mild TMJ symptoms can improve with rest, soft diet, and stress reduction. However, symptoms that persist beyond two weeks or include jaw locking usually need specialist assessment. Early treatment often prevents the condition from getting worse.
Yes, for conservative options. Splint impressions and pain management plans can begin immediately. If surgery is needed, it will be booked separately with short waiting times at LIPS.
LIPS Healthcare is at Battersea Power Station, Turbine Hall B, London. The clinic is directly accessible via the Northern line (Battersea Power Station station), London Overground, and bus. Patients attend from Chelsea, Clapham, Vauxhall, Pimlico, Wandsworth, Nine Elms, and across London.