Beyond the teeth

Jaw, face and airway conditions

The mouth does not end at the teeth. The jaw joint, the facial nerves, the maxillary sinuses and the airway all produce symptoms that patients reasonably assume are dental. As a hospital with an oral and maxillofacial unit, in-house CBCT and OPG, this is the work we are set up to separate and treat.

Jaw joint (TMJ) and facial muscle pain

The temporomandibular joint is the only joint in the body loaded by the position of the teeth. Clicking, restricted opening, morning stiffness and temple headaches are usually joint or muscle problems, and are managed in stages before anything irreversible is done to the bite.

Orthodontics and TMJ Symptoms

Orthodontics can influence TMJ health. Learn about the connection between your bite, jaw joints, and common symptoms, and how our specialist care can help.

7 min read

Children Who Grind Teeth During Sleep Causes

Paediatric sleep bruxism involves involuntary nocturnal tooth grinding in children. While often benign and self-limiting during dental development, it can stem from airway obstruction, central nervous system arousal, or emotional stress, requiring thorough clinical evaluation.

11 min read

Custom Night Guards for Sleep Bruxism Management

Sleep bruxism involves involuntary nocturnal clenching and grinding that damages dentition and craniomandibular structures. A custom night guard for grinding provides a precise occlusal barrier, redistributing forces, protecting enamel, reducing muscular strain, and stabilising the temporomandibular joint.

11 min read

Restoring Broken Dental Crowns Damaged by Bruxism

Dental crowns damaged by clenching or nocturnal bruxism require thorough clinical evaluation to distinguish superficial ceramic chipping from catastrophic root fractures. This guide details diagnostic workflows, modern restorative materials like monolithic zirconia, replacement procedures, and essential nightguard protection.

11 min read

TMJ Arthroscopy for Jaw Joint Diagnosis and Repair

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat internal joint derangement. This comprehensive guide details surgical indications, diagnostic staging, operative techniques, recovery timelines, and evidence-based post-operative rehabilitation protocols.

11 min read

Sleep Apnea and Teeth Grinding Nighttime Connection

Obstructive sleep apnoea and nocturnal teeth grinding share a profound pathophysiological connection mediated by autonomic arousals. This evidence-based clinical guide examines the airway-bruxism mechanism, oral diagnostic markers, polysomnographic staging, mandibular advancement splints, and long-term joint and airway management.

11 min read

TMJ Disorders: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Understand temporomandibular joint disorders, including common causes of jaw pain and clicking, and the range of conservative and surgical treatments available.

8 min read

Botox Injections for Masseter Muscle Pain and Clenching

Botulinum toxin injections targeting the masseter muscles offer targeted relief for chronic jaw clenching, bruxism, and associated myofascial pain. This clinical guide explains the mechanism of action, procedural expectations, diagnostic pathways, evidence base, and safety considerations.

11 min read

Stress and Anxiety Teeth Grinding Prevention Strategies

Stress teeth grinding, or bruxism, involves involuntary jaw clenching and tooth gnashing driven by autonomic nervous system arousal. This evidence-based guide outlines its physiological mechanisms, diagnostic protocols, clinical splint therapies, behavioural interventions, and long-term joint and dental protection.

11 min read

Teeth Grinding in Children During Sleep: Causes and Solutions

Paediatric sleep bruxism involves involuntary rhythmic masticatory muscle activity and tooth grinding during sleep. Most cases in young children are self-limiting and linked to neural development or transient airway obstruction, though severe cases require multidisciplinary evaluation.

11 min read

Facial pain and nerve-related pain

Not all facial pain is dental. Trigeminal nerve pain, sinus pain, neuropathic pain after surgery and referred pain from the neck all present in the mouth or face. The first job is to establish whether a tooth is the source at all — treating a healthy tooth never resolves it.

Post-Herpetic Neuralgia Affecting the Face and Mouth

Facial post-herpetic neuralgia is a chronic neuropathic pain condition arising after trigeminal herpes zoster. This clinical guide covers trigeminal nerve anatomy, persistent burning and lancinating symptoms, diagnostic differentiation from dental pain, evidence-based pharmacological treatments, and critical red flags requiring urgent care.

11 min read

Trigeminal Neuralgia Versus TMJ Facial Pain Differences

This clinical guide clarifies the distinction between trigeminal neuralgia and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. It outlines their distinct anatomical origins, classic pain presentations, specialised diagnostic workflows, differential criteria, evidence-based medical and surgical management, and urgent red flag indicators.

11 min read

Neuropathic Orofacial Pain Versus Common Toothache Signs

This clinical guide explores the differences between odontogenic toothache and neuropathic orofacial pain. Learn how dentists distinguish dental pulp inflammation from trigeminal nerve disorders, the diagnostic pathways involved, and why identifying the correct origin prevents unnecessary dental extractions.

11 min read

Numbness After Dental Surgery

Persistent numbness after dental surgery is concerning but often temporary. We provide expert assessment, monitoring, and dedicated support to guide you through your nerve recovery process.

7 min read

Trigeminal Nerve Injury After Surgery

Trigeminal nerve injury is a rare surgical complication. We provide expert assessment, monitoring, and supportive management to aid nerve recovery and restore sensation effectively.

8 min read

Nerve Sensation Recovery After Lower Jaw Surgery

Lip numbness after jaw surgery is a common consequence of temporary nerve traction or compression during lower jaw osteotomies. This guide outlines nerve anatomy, injury classifications, diagnostic testing, recovery timelines, management strategies, and clinical milestones for neurosensory return.

11 min read

Nerve Damage and Numbness After Lower Jaw Surgery

Lip numbness after jaw surgery is a recognised outcome of inferior alveolar nerve manipulation during mandibular osteotomies. This guide outlines the anatomical pathways, injury classifications, sensory testing methods, therapeutic approaches, and expected recovery trajectories for neurosensory disturbances.

11 min read

Nerve Injury and Numbness After Lower Molar Root Canal

Persistent lip or chin numbness following a lower molar root canal indicates potential irritation or injury to the inferior alveolar nerve. This comprehensive clinical guide details the underlying anatomy, causes, diagnostic tests, classification, medical and surgical treatments, and recovery timelines.

11 min read

Persistent Nerve Pain After Tooth Extraction or Surgery

Persistent nerve pain after tooth extraction involves trauma to branches of the trigeminal nerve. This clinical guide covers symptoms, diagnostic mapping, classification, evidence-based medical and surgical management, recovery timelines, and critical indicators requiring urgent maxillofacial assessment.

11 min read

Prolonged Numbness and Nerve Injury After Dental Injections

Nerve paresthesia following a dental injection involves persistent numbness, tingling, or altered sensation due to local anaesthetic trauma. This guide details underlying neuroanatomy, classification of injuries, diagnostic sensory testing, recovery timelines, medical-surgical therapies, and crucial clinical red flags.

10 min read

Sinus and upper-tooth pain

The roots of upper molars sit against the floor of the maxillary sinus. Sinus inflammation can present as pain in several upper teeth at once, and an infected upper molar can inflame the sinus. Imaging separates the two, and the same anatomy determines whether an implant here needs a sinus lift.

Maxillary Sinusitis Caused by Infected Upper Molar

Maxillary sinusitis caused by an infected upper molar occurs when dental pathology breaches the sinus floor. This guide explains the causes, diagnosis using cone-beam computed tomography, combined dental and surgical treatments, recovery protocols, and crucial red flag symptoms.

11 min read

Sinus Lift Bone Graft Procedure Types and Healing Time

A sinus lift bone graft augments maxillary bone height beneath the Schneiderian membrane, enabling dental implant placement in the posterior upper jaw. This guide reviews surgical techniques, graft materials, biological healing timelines, risk factors, and postoperative care.

11 min read

Sinus Lift Surgery Purpose, Procedure, and Healing Timeline

Sinus lift surgery, or maxillary sinus floor augmentation, reconstructs deficient upper jawbone for dental implants. This clinical guide details surgical anatomy, lateral versus crestal techniques, graft materials, sinus lift surgery recovery, potential complications, and evidence-based aftercare.

11 min read

Managing Bruising and Swelling Following Sinus Lift Surgery

Swelling and bruising are expected physiological responses following maxillary sinus lift surgery. Learn the biological mechanisms, normal recovery timelines, evidence-based management strategies, sinus precautions, and clinical red flags that warrant urgent surgical review.

11 min read

Lateral Window Versus Crestal Approach Sinus Lift Procedures

This clinical guide details the primary types of sinus lifts, comparing the transcrestal and lateral window approaches. It covers surgical anatomy, bone grafting techniques, CBCT diagnostics, recovery protocols, complication management, and evidence-based indications for posterior maxillary dental implants.

11 min read

Sinus Perforation During Upper Molar Extraction Repair Process

A sinus perforation after upper molar extraction occurs when the thin bone and membrane separating the oral cavity from the maxillary sinus tear. Prompt clinical recognition, size-based management, tension-free surgical repair, and strict sinus precautions ensure predictable healing.

10 min read

Oroantral Fistula Care

An oroantral fistula is an abnormal opening between your mouth and sinus. We provide expert surgical closure and follow-up care to ensure complete and healthy healing.

8 min read

How to Tell a Sinus Infection from a Toothache

Distinguishing a sinus toothache from a dental cavity requires understanding maxillary anatomy, pain characteristics, and clinical tests. This guide details diagnostic differences, causes of odontogenic versus rhinogenic sinusitis, examination steps, evidence-based treatments, and critical red flags.

11 min read

Sinus Lift Procedure Explained for Upper Jaw Implants

Understand why a sinus lift is often required before placing implants in the back of the upper jaw, how the procedure works, and what recovery involves.

7 min read

Sinus Membrane Perforation Complications During Dental Surgery

A perforated sinus membrane implant complication occurs when the delicate lining of the maxillary sinus tears during bone grafting or fixture placement. Understanding anatomical risks, intraoperative repair protocols, and strict post-surgical care ensures predictable healing and prevents chronic sinusitis.

11 min read

Sleep, airway and grinding

Jaw position, tongue space and nasal airway all affect breathing during sleep. Tooth wear, morning headaches and jaw fatigue are often the first physical signs, which is why dentists are frequently the first to raise the possibility of a sleep-related breathing problem.

Sleep Apnea and Teeth Grinding Nighttime Connection

Obstructive sleep apnoea and nocturnal teeth grinding share a profound pathophysiological connection mediated by autonomic arousals. This evidence-based clinical guide examines the airway-bruxism mechanism, oral diagnostic markers, polysomnographic staging, mandibular advancement splints, and long-term joint and airway management.

11 min read

Custom Oral Sleep Appliances for Mild Sleep Apnea

Custom oral sleep appliances provide an evidence-based, non-invasive treatment for primary snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnoea. By gently advancing the lower jaw, these precision devices maintain an open pharyngeal airway, restoring restorative sleep and mitigating cardiovascular risks.

11 min read

Mandibular Advancement Devices

Mandibular advancement devices offer a non-invasive solution for snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea, carefully positioning the jaw to keep the airway open throughout the night.

7 min read

Children Who Grind Teeth During Sleep Causes

Paediatric sleep bruxism involves involuntary nocturnal tooth grinding in children. While often benign and self-limiting during dental development, it can stem from airway obstruction, central nervous system arousal, or emotional stress, requiring thorough clinical evaluation.

11 min read

Dental Sedation Safety for Patients with Sleep Apnea

This clinical guide details safety protocols, screening measures, and procedural considerations for patients undergoing dental sedation with obstructive sleep apnoea. It covers pharmacological airway risks, continuous monitoring standards, sedation options, emergency management, and post-treatment recovery guidelines.

11 min read

Sleep Apnea Signs Caused by Retrognathia and Receding Jaw

Mandibular retrognathia, or a receding jaw, directly narrows the posterior pharyngeal airway, significantly predisposing individuals to obstructive sleep apnoea. This comprehensive guide reviews clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, non-surgical therapies, and definitive maxillomandibular advancement surgery.

11 min read

Mandibular Advancement Devices for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

A mandibular advancement device is a custom-made oral appliance that positions the lower jaw forward during sleep. It enlarges the upper airway, preventing pharyngeal collapse in mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea and snoring.

11 min read

Maxillomandibular Advancement Surgery for Severe Sleep Apnea

Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) surgery is an established orthognathic procedure that enlarges the upper airway by repositioning the upper and lower jaws forward, providing a highly effective, long-term surgical solution for severe obstructive sleep apnoea.

11 min read

Teeth Grinding in Children During Sleep: Causes and Solutions

Paediatric sleep bruxism involves involuntary rhythmic masticatory muscle activity and tooth grinding during sleep. Most cases in young children are self-limiting and linked to neural development or transient airway obstruction, though severe cases require multidisciplinary evaluation.

11 min read

Snoring Appliances in Dentistry

Professional dental snoring appliances offer a targeted, effective way to reduce snoring by stabilising the jaw and airway, improving sleep for both patients and their partners.

7 min read

Facial trauma and jaw deformity

Fractures of the jaw, cheekbone and orbit, and developmental jaw discrepancies that affect the bite and the profile, are treated surgically with orthodontic planning. This is hospital-level work — imaging, anaesthesia and post-operative monitoring — rather than clinic dentistry.

Orthognathic Jaw Surgery Overview

Orthognathic surgery corrects severe skeletal discrepancies between the upper and lower jaws, enhancing facial balance and improving essential functions like chewing, speaking, and breathing comfortably for patients.

8 min read

Facial Asymmetry from Uneven Jaw Growth

Facial asymmetry caused by uneven jaw growth can lead to functional chewing impairment, joint pain, and an asymmetrical jaw crooked smile. This guide outlines causes, diagnostic imaging, orthognathic surgical pathways, recovery protocols, and evidence-based clinical management.

11 min read

Jaw Surgery, TMJ Disorders and Facial Trauma

Corrective jaw surgery, temporomandibular joint pain and management of facial injuries by a maxillofacial team.

10 min read

Oral Mucocele Removal Procedure for Salivary Cysts

An oral mucocele is a benign salivary cyst arising from traumatised minor salivary glands. This clinical guide covers diagnosis, differential considerations, recovery timelines, red flags, and how definitive mucocele lip surgery is performed to prevent recurrence.

11 min read

Pregnancy Tumors on Gums Symptoms and Removal Options

A pregnancy tumour on the gums, clinically termed pyogenic granuloma or pregnancy epulis, is a benign vascular overgrowth triggered by hormonal surges and plaque. Learn about symptoms, differential diagnosis, non-surgical management, and precise surgical removal options.

10 min read

Corrective Jaw Surgery for Severe Underbite Correction

This clinical guide details underbite surgery orthognathic procedures for severe Class III skeletal discrepancies. It explores surgical techniques, preoperative orthodontics, recovery milestones, potential complications, and evidence-based rehabilitation protocols for restoring long-term oral function.

11 min read

Fixing Open Bite Deformities with Orthognathic Surgery

Anterior open bite jaw surgery corrects severe vertical skeletal discrepancies where front teeth cannot touch. This comprehensive clinical guide explores causes, diagnostic planning, Le Fort I osteotomy procedures, recovery protocols, relapse prevention, and evidence-based surgical outcomes.

11 min read

Zygomatic Fracture Repair and Cheekbone Trauma Recovery

This clinical guide details zygomatic fracture surgery, covering cheekbone anatomy, injury mechanisms, surgical fixation techniques, postoperative rehabilitation, and complication management to help patients understand facial trauma recovery and recognise urgent warning signs.

11 min read

Causes and Solutions for Chipped Dental Crown Porcelain

Dental crown porcelain can chip due to trauma, bruxism, or material fatigue. This evidence-based clinical guide examines the causes, diagnostic classifications, repair versus replacement protocols, procedural workflows, aftercare, and long-term preventive strategies for fractured crown restorations.

10 min read

Root Fractures in Children After Sports or Facial Trauma

Root fractures in children following dental trauma involve damage to the dentine, cementum, and dental pulp beneath the gum line. Prompt clinical diagnosis, radiographic assessment, and flexible splinting are vital to preserve tooth vitality and long-term alveolar development.

11 min read

Seen by the maxillofacial unit

Jaw, facial pain and airway assessments include imaging and a written plan before treatment begins. Published consultation and imaging rates are on the rate list.