Our Services

TMJ Disorders

Expert assessment and treatment of jaw joint dysfunction — from chronic pain and restricted opening to internal derangement — delivered by a dual-qualified Consultant Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon in London.

Understanding the Condition

What Is a TMJ Disorder?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge connecting your lower jaw to your skull, located just in front of each ear. When this joint or the surrounding muscles malfunction, the result is a temporomandibular disorder (TMD) — a group of conditions that can cause significant discomfort and affect your ability to eat, speak, and sleep.

TMJ disorders are more common than many people realise, and frequently misdiagnosed. Symptoms can appear gradually or follow an acute event such as trauma, dental treatment, or illness. With the right specialist assessment, the vast majority of patients can be effectively treated — and many conditions that have gone unresolved for years respond well to targeted intervention.

Common Causes

Jaw injury or facial trauma
Arthritis affecting the joint (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid)
Disc displacement within the joint
Bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching, often during sleep)
Skeletal jaw imbalance placing uneven load on the joints
Chronic muscular tension related to stress or posture

Symptoms to Look Out For

Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing your mouth
Pain or tenderness in the jaw, ear, temple, or side of the face
Limited or uncomfortable mouth opening
Jaw locking — open or closed
Headaches or neck pain with no other obvious cause
A change in the way your upper and lower teeth fit together

Treatment Options

How Mr Bhatti Treats TMJ Disorders

Mr Bhatti takes a staged, evidence-based approach to TMJ treatment — beginning with the least invasive options and progressing to surgical intervention only when conservative management has not provided adequate relief.

Conservative Management

Many patients respond well to a combination of splint therapy, physiotherapy, dietary modification, and anti-inflammatory medication. Mr Bhatti works closely with specialist physiotherapists and dental colleagues to coordinate non-surgical care before considering any procedure.

Arthrocentesis & Arthroscopy

Minimally invasive joint lavage and inspection under anaesthetic. Arthrocentesis involves flushing the joint space to reduce inflammation and improve movement. Arthroscopy allows direct visualisation of the internal joint structures, enabling precise diagnosis and targeted treatment through very small incisions.

Open Joint Surgery

For more complex conditions — including advanced disc displacement, bony changes to the joint, or cases requiring structural correction — open joint surgery may be recommended. Mr Bhatti has performed over 400 intracapsular procedures and brings extensive experience to these technically demanding cases.

Total Joint Replacement

In a small number of cases where the joint is severely damaged and other treatments have failed, total alloplastic joint replacement may be the most appropriate long-term solution. Mr Bhatti advises on suitability and can refer to specialist total joint replacement programmes where indicated.

“My goal with every TMJ patient is to restore comfort and function with the minimum intervention necessary. Many people have lived with these symptoms for years — often told nothing can be done. That is rarely the case.”
— Mr Nabeel Bhatti

Is This Right for You?

Who Should Consider a Consultation?

A consultation with Mr Bhatti may be beneficial if:

You have jaw pain, clicking, or locking that has persisted for more than a few weeks
You have been told you grind your teeth and are experiencing associated discomfort
You have tried splints or physiotherapy without adequate improvement
You experienced jaw trauma and are now developing joint symptoms
You have been referred by your dentist or GP for specialist assessment
You would like a second opinion on a previous diagnosis or treatment plan

Your Pathway

What to Expect

Step 1 — Initial Consultation & ImagingA thorough clinical assessment of your jaw joints and surrounding musculature. Where indicated, MRI or CBCT imaging will be arranged to evaluate the joint structures in detail.

Step 2 — Diagnosis & Treatment PlanningYou will receive a clear explanation of your diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan, with honest advice on what each option involves, what outcomes are realistic, and what the recovery entails.

Step 3 — TreatmentAll procedures are performed personally by Mr Bhatti in a CQC-registered private hospital, with a specialist anaesthetic and nursing team. Sedation options are available for those who prefer it.

Step 4 — Recovery & Follow-UpDetailed post-treatment guidance and regular follow-up appointments — supporting your recovery and monitoring outcomes throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Do I need a GP or dentist referral to see Mr Bhatti?

No. You are welcome to contact the practice directly and self-refer for a private consultation. Many patients come with a referral letter from their dentist, GP, or another specialist — this is helpful but not required. If you are seeking NHS treatment, a referral via your GP or dentist is usually necessary.

Where does Mr Bhatti see patients?

Mr Bhatti consults and operates across several London locations, including Harley Street, London Bridge Hospital, and LIPS at Battersea Power Station. He also operates on the NHS at Barts Health NHS Trust and the Royal London Hospital. The appropriate location will be discussed at the time of booking.

How long does a consultation take?

An initial consultation typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes. This allows time for a thorough history, clinical examination, review of any imaging or referral information, and a full discussion of your options. Mr Bhatti does not rush consultations — you will leave with a clear understanding of your diagnosis and recommended next steps.

Will I always be treated by Mr Bhatti personally?

Yes. Every patient is seen by a named consultant from their very first appointment through to final follow-up. You will not be passed to a trainee or junior colleague for your procedure.

Are your procedures covered by health insurance?

MaxFac is recognised by all major UK private insurers, including BUPA, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality. You will need a referral letter and pre-authorisation from your insurer before your appointment. Our team can advise on the relevant procedure codes.

How do I request a Medicolegal report?

Medicolegal instructions can be sent to bhatti.admin@lips.org.uk. Professor Holmes and Mr Bhatti accept instructions from solicitors, insurance companies, and courts for personal injury, clinical negligence, and criminal cases involving facial trauma or maxillofacial surgery.

TMJ Disorders

How do I know if my jaw pain is a TMJ problem?

Common indicators include clicking or popping sounds when opening your mouth, pain in the jaw, ear, or temple, difficulty or discomfort when chewing, headaches without another clear cause, or a feeling that your bite has changed. These symptoms can overlap with other conditions, which is why specialist assessment is important.

Can TMJ disorders be treated without surgery?

Yes, in the majority of cases. Conservative treatments — including splint therapy, physiotherapy, dietary modifications, and anti-inflammatory medication — resolve symptoms for many patients. Surgery is considered only when conservative management has been thorough and symptoms remain significantly problematic.

What is arthroscopy and is it painful?

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a small camera is inserted into the joint through a very small incision. It is performed under general anaesthetic or deep sedation, so you will not feel anything during the procedure. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild and short-lived.

How long does recovery take after TMJ surgery?

Recovery varies depending on the procedure. After arthrocentesis or arthroscopy, most patients return to normal activities within a week. Open joint surgery requires a longer recovery of three to six weeks, with dietary restrictions and physiotherapy exercises to restore full movement.

To book a consultation, please contact us directly. No GP referral required for a private appointment.

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