Injuries
Jaw and TMJ Injury After a Car Accident
Understanding jaw and tmj injury
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, connects the jawbone to the skull and can be injured in a motor vehicle accident through direct impact, airbag deployment, or the forceful jaw clenching that often happens involuntarily at the moment of collision. This can cause pain, clicking, restricted movement or difficulty chewing, and TMJ injuries are sometimes overlooked because the focus after a crash tends to be on the neck and back. Left untreated, jaw injuries can affect eating, speaking and sleep, and can also contribute to headaches and ear discomfort. An assessment helps identify whether the joint, the muscles, or both, have been affected.
Common symptoms
Symptoms can take hours or days to appear after a crash. If you notice any of these, it's worth being assessed.
- Jaw pain, particularly when chewing or talking
- Clicking, popping or grinding in the jaw joint
- Restricted or uneven jaw opening
- Jaw locking, either open or closed
- Facial or ear pain near the jaw joint
- Headaches associated with jaw movement or clenching
- Tenderness in the jaw muscles or difficulty with wide bites
Quick check
Not sure if it's serious?
How we help
We assess your jaw symptoms by telehealth across NSW, or in person where appropriate — your doctor will confirm which suits your injury, and jaw movement is often best assessed with a hands-on examination. We document the nature and functional impact of the injury for your CTP claim, and arrange referral to a dentist or oral health specialist where indicated for detailed TMJ assessment or imaging. We coordinate physiotherapy where jaw muscle tightness or restricted movement is contributing to your symptoms. CTP Doctor is a medical service, not a law firm — this is general information, not legal advice, and questions about liability or entitlements are best directed to an independent solicitor.
Treatment approach
- 1CTP medical assessment of jaw movement and function
- 2Referral to a dentist or oral health specialist for detailed TMJ assessment where indicated
- 3Document symptoms, function and impact for the CTP claim
- 4Coordinate physiotherapy for jaw muscle tension and movement
- 5Guidance on diet and jaw rest during the acute phase
- 6Review progress and adjust the plan as recovery allows
When to see a doctor
Seek assessment if you have ongoing jaw pain, clicking, restricted opening or your jaw locks after a car accident. Seek urgent care if you cannot close your mouth, have significant facial swelling or deformity, or suspect a jaw fracture, as these need prompt attention.
Not an emergency? Book an assessment. If symptoms are severe or worsening, call 000.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
Next step
See a CTP doctor about it
Often seen within the week. Telehealth across NSW, or in person where appropriate. No claim number needed to start.