Temporomandibular Joint in Barcelona
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint is the joint that connects the jaw to the skull.
This joint allows us to eat, speak, and bite; in short, it enables jaw movements. The right and left joints must work in unison, a fact that adds to the complexity of the condition and its treatments.
What situations are harmful to the TMJ?
- Bruxism, the clenching and/or grinding of the teeth. Always caused by stress. We treat the effects of bruxism on the teeth and the jaw joint.
- Joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout.
- Frequent, eccentric, and excessive jaw movements, such as forcing the mouth open too wide and protruding the jaw (biting one’s nails)
- Falls and facial injuries.
Recommended Treatments for TMJ
- Cranial physical therapy and exercises are the most conservative treatment, along with custom-made stabilization splints.
Roser Vidal is our cranial physical therapist; she has more than 15 years of experience. Many of our patients have found relief and a solution to their TMJ and neck problems through his hands-on treatment and his guidance on posture and healthy habits.
- Cranial physical therapy and exercises are the most conservative treatment, along with custom-made stabilization splints.
- Arthrocentesis and arthroscopy: These are minimally invasive surgical procedures designed to examine the joint, remove microscopic particles and inflammatory tissue, and repair damaged structures.
What are the symptoms of TMJ?
Limited Mouth Opening
Pain During the Performance
Noises During Jaw Movement
Treatment Process
The approach to TMJ disorders begins with a detailed medical history and a functional examination: mouth opening, joint noises, muscle palpation, and occlusion. If necessary, we order an MRI to evaluate the articular disc or a CT scan to assess the bone. Based on the diagnosis, Dr. Joan Birbe proposes a treatment plan that, in most cases, begins with conservative treatment: a custom-made occlusal splint, physical therapy, bruxism management, injections, and occlusal adjustments. Arthroscopic or open surgery is considered only when the condition does not respond to treatment or involves a significant structural abnormality.
Recovery time
With conservative treatments, there is no clinical recovery time: the patient continues with their normal life while wearing the splint and undergoing physical therapy. Injections require a brief rest period of 24–48 hours. TMJ arthroscopy, when indicated, requires 5–7 days of rest, a soft diet, and anti-inflammatory medications. Open TMJ surgery is less common and requires a recovery period of 2 to 4 weeks. In all cases, jaw physical therapy is essential for several months to maintain the opening and reduce recurrences.
Expected Results
A significant percentage of patients show clear improvement with conservative treatment within 6–12 weeks. They reduce pain, clicking, and episodes of locking, and improve mouth opening. Headaches and neck pain associated with bruxism are also reduced. When surgery is required, the results are evaluated after 3–6 months and are typically maintained over the long term if the patient continues to use a splint and follow the maintenance regimen. Satisfaction depends largely on the patient’s commitment to physical therapy and stress management.
Duration of treatment
The conservative treatment plan for ATM typically lasts 3–6 months, with follow-up visits every 4–6 weeks to adjust the splint and treatment plan. In many cases, the splint is used indefinitely, especially for people who grind their teeth. Arthroscopy takes about 60–90 minutes in the operating room. Open surgery can last 2–3 hours. Long-term follow-ups are conducted at 3, 6, and 12 months, and then annually. It’s a treatment that requires patience and perseverance, but the relief it provides makes it all worthwhile.
Frequently Asked Questions: Temporomandibular Joint
What symptoms indicate a TMJ problem?
Pain when opening the mouth, joint clicking, jaw locking, recurrent headaches, neck pain, or significant tooth wear are common signs of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. At Clínica Birbe in Barcelona, we perform a functional examination and, when appropriate, an MRI to confirm the diagnosis before proposing a personalized treatment plan.
Is surgery always performed on the TMJ?
No. Most cases are managed with conservative treatments: occlusal splints, physical therapy, bruxism management, injections, and, when necessary, orthodontic treatment or bite adjustment. Surgery is reserved for advanced cases or those that do not respond to prior treatment. Dr. Joan Birbe, an ABOMS-certified specialist, evaluates each case individually and always prioritizes the least invasive options.
What results can I expect from TMJ treatment?
In a high percentage of patients, pain is significantly reduced, mouth opening and clicking improve, and associated headaches decrease. The results become apparent gradually, especially when the patient cooperates with physical therapy and wears a splint. We conduct regular clinical follow-ups to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan.
How much does TMJ treatment cost in Barcelona?
The price depends on the treatment plan: custom-made splint, physical therapy, injections, orthodontics, or, in select cases, surgery. A personalized treatment plan is developed after the initial visit and the necessary tests. We offer financing options. We recommend an initial consultation to evaluate your case with no obligation.
Dr. Joan Birbe: ABOMS-certified specialist in TMJ disorders
Patients require a detailed diagnosis that combines clinical examination, imaging, and functional testing. Dr. Birbe,who is ABOMS-certified, applies this step-by-step approach to every patient with joint pain, crepitus, or limited range of motion. This certification attests to proficiency in both conservative treatments and arthroscopic and open surgery when they are truly necessary.
Why Get ATM Treatment at Clínica Birbe?
We treat TMJ disorders using a stepwise approach: first conservative, then minimally invasive, and only surgical when other options fail to resolve the problem.
• Diagnosis using a combination of CBCT, MRI, and functional testing to understand the true cause of the problem.
• Conservative treatment with custom-made bite splints, physical therapy, and management of associated bruxism.
• Experience in arthrocentesis, arthroscopy, and open TMJ surgery when the case warrants it.
• Coordination with the dentistry, orthodontics, and pain management units at the same facility in Barcelona.
• Medium- and long-term follow-up to prevent relapses and adjust treatment.
→ Schedule your first appointment and get a clear diagnosis of your TMJ problem.
Testimonials
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- Monday, Thursday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:00h to 19:00h.
- Phone: +34 93 212 47 37
Outside our working hours you can send us a WhatsApp or a form and we will get back to you the next business day. Being located in Barcelona, we receive patients from all over the national and international territory.
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Personal diagnosis by oral and facial examination.
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