TMJ, Bruxism & Function
Assess symptoms, understand loading and treat selectively
Clicking, pressure, limited mouth opening, muscle tension or morning jaw fatigue may indicate a functional disorder. At the same time, these symptoms are often multifactorial and not every finding requires dental treatment.
We therefore begin with a clinical functional assessment and determine whether the teeth, muscles, temporomandibular joints or other factors are the main issue.
What does functional diagnostics mean?
Functional diagnostics assesses the interaction between the teeth, bite, masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joints. Symptoms such as muscle tension, TMJ pain, clicking or visible tooth wear can have different causes and should not automatically be assigned to the same diagnosis.
In our Basel practice, assessment begins with the medical and dental history and a clinical examination. Depending on the findings, additional records, splint therapy, physiotherapy or adjustments to restorative planning may be appropriate. The goal is conservative, findings-based treatment.
Possible components of treatment
Information and strategies to reduce strain.
A custom occlusal or Michigan splint when appropriately indicated.
Physiotherapy or further interdisciplinary assessment.
Assessment of tooth wear and signs of functional loading.
Reconstructive treatment only where there is a separate dental indication.
Not every click requires treatment
Joint sounds without pain or loss of function can be harmless. The need for treatment is determined by symptoms, function and progression – not by a single sound.
Bruxism and dental restorations
In patients with pronounced grinding, we pay particular attention to material selection, design and protective strategies. This applies to natural teeth, veneers and implant-supported restorations.
Further information
Assess symptoms in context. We do not treat an X-ray finding or a clicking sound in isolation, but the clinical situation and your actual symptoms.
Note: This information is intended for general guidance and does not replace an individual examination and consultation.
