Your TMJ is the jaw joint, the small hinge just in front of each ear that lets you open, close and move your mouth. When that joint starts clicking, catching, locking or aching, it can make eating, talking and even yawning uncomfortable. We take the time to find out what is going on and help settle it down.
Tell us when suits and we will call you back to arrange it. No obligation.
Treatment Overview
What Is TMJ Treatment?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the proper name for your jaw joint. You have one on each side of your face, just in front of your ears, and they do a lot of work every day. When one of them is not moving smoothly, you notice it quickly.
TMJ treatment is simply the care we give when that joint is causing trouble. That might be a click or a pop when you open, a jaw that catches or locks, or a dull ache around the joint that will not go away. Some people also feel it as pain near the ear, tenderness when they chew, or a jaw that feels tired by the end of the day.
A lot of jaw joint trouble is linked to grinding and clenching, often at night without you knowing. That extra strain builds up in the joint and the muscles around it over time. This is why we look at the whole picture, your teeth, your bite and your habits, rather than the joint on its own.
We keep our approach modest and honest. Much of what we do is aimed at easing the strain and protecting your teeth, for example with a custom night guard, along with simple advice you can use at home. If we think the cause sits outside dentistry, we will say so and point you to your GP or the right specialist rather than keep treating it here.
This page is for you if:
Your jaw clicks or pops when you open or close
Your jaw catches, sticks or locks
You get pain or tenderness right in front of your ear
It hurts to open wide, chew or yawn
Your jaw feels tired or achy by the evening
A click or ache is slowly getting worse
What we look at:
How far and how smoothly your jaw opens
Whether the joint clicks, grates or locks
Tender spots over the joint and the muscles around it
How your top and bottom teeth meet
Signs that you grind or clench
Teeth that are worn, flattened or chipped
Book your appointment
New patient examination £92
We start with an examination to work out what is going on. Including any X-rays you need.
When did the clicking or pain start, what makes it worse, and how much it is affecting you. If you are nervous, tell us. It changes how we do things.
02
We examine the joint
We check how your jaw moves, feel for tender spots over the joint and muscles, and look at how your teeth meet. We take digital X-rays if we need them, which use far less radiation than film.
03
We show you what we found
On screen where we can, so you can see what we see rather than take our word for it. We explain in plain English what is likely going on.
04
A written plan and a price
The options open to you, what each costs, and what happens if you leave it. Nothing is booked until you have had a think.
Longer appointments, so we can talk through your concerns and give you a break if you need one.
Almost pain-free injections
The Wand numbs you without the big needle or the sting. Most patients are surprised how easy it is.
Digital X-rays
We diagnose faster, more accurately and with far less radiation than older film.
A hand to hold
Bring a partner in, or hold a nurse's hand. If you ever need us, we respond the same day.
About Waterside Dental
Your private dental practicein Hythe.
Waterside Dental is a private practice in Hythe, owned and led by principal dentist Dr Nikos Louskos since 2017. It has recently been refurbished to feel more like home than a clinic, and is run by a small, hand-picked team — so you'll always see a familiar face.
Care here is unhurried and patient-led. Appointments are longer so concerns can be talked through properly, treatment is explained in plain language, and nothing is rushed — with breaks during longer procedures whenever you need them.
We welcome private patients from Hythe and across Southampton — whether you're registering as a new patient or visiting for a single course of treatment while staying with your current dentist.
"I firmly believe that dentistry doesn't have to be unpleasant or scary, and that often it can be life-changing."
DR NIKOS LOUSKOS
Our Principal Dentist
Meet Dr NikosLouskos.
DDS · MSc Endodontics · GDC No. 102626
Principal dentist and practice owner, with a special interest in endodontics.
Dr Nikos Louskos qualified in Athens in 2005 and moved to the UK in 2006. He worked as an associate at Waterside before taking ownership of the practice in 2017.
In 2016 he completed a Master's in Endodontic Practice at Queen Mary University of London. He accepts referrals for complex root canal cases, which he treats under a microscope, and enjoys all aspects of general dentistry.
Nobody wants surprises after a dental visit. You'll get an itemised treatment plan with exact costs before anything begins, plus monthly payment options to spread the cost.
Finance is provided by Tabeo and is interest-bearing from 9.9% APR. Practice-plan discounts apply to selected treatments — full terms are listed on the Fees and Plans pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions patientsask us.
A few of the things patients ask us most often. If your question isn't here, just get in touch — we're happy to talk it through.
It is your jaw joint, one on each side of your face, just in front of your ears. It is the hinge that lets you open, close and slide your mouth to chew and talk. TMJ is short for temporomandibular joint.
TMJ is the joint itself. TMD, short for temporomandibular disorder, is the name for problems with that joint and the muscles that move it. In everyday use people say TMJ to mean both. You can read more on our TMD Treatment page.
Not always. Plenty of people have a jaw that clicks now and then with no pain and no problem. It is more worth checking if the clicking comes with pain, if your jaw locks or catches, or if it is getting worse over time. If any of that sounds like you, book in and we will take a look.
There is often more than one cause. Grinding and clenching, stress and tension in the jaw muscles, and how your teeth meet can all play a part. That is why we look at your bite and your habits, not just the joint.
A dentist is a sensible first stop, because jaw joint trouble is so often linked to grinding, clenching and the bite. There is a lot we can do to help. If we think the cause sits outside dentistry, we will tell you honestly and point you to your GP or the right specialist.
It depends on the cause. A common first step is a custom-made night guard to take the strain off the joint and protect your teeth, along with simple self-care advice. We keep our claims realistic and explain what is likely to help before you commit to anything. See our Night Guards page.
Yes. Tell us when you book. We use The Wand for almost pain-free injections if any are needed, we allow longer appointments so nothing is rushed, and you can bring someone in with you or hold a nurse's hand.
Whether you'd like to book or just have a question about treatment, send us a message and a member of the team will get back to you — the same day wherever we can.
