Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain can be debilitating and worse than the dental surgery itself. Even with anaesthetics, lying in a dental chair for an extended period of time with your jaw open to its maximum capacity can lead to TMJ pain. Extractions and other procedures can also cause this type of discomfort, which may manifest as difficulty closing or aligning the bite, clicking in the jaw, headaches, or other symptoms. Accidents, bruxism (grinding teeth at night), stress and excessive clenching are all common causes of TMJ pain. Fortunately, there are many treatments available for those suffering from temporomandibular joint pain before resorting to invasive procedures such as surgery. Osteopathic care is one option that has proven successful for many patients; it involves specialized training in dealing specifically with these types of issues. Consulting an osteopath prior to any more aggressive measures is often wise if you‘re experiencing TMJ–related problems.