TMJ treatment is designed to relieve problems of the TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, which can be long-standing and problematic in many people. The TMJ is the joint where the lower jaw (mandible) joins the temporal bone of the head.

What Are The Indications of TMJ Treatment?

TMJ Treatment is indicated as a method of relieving pain and discomfort in the temporomandibular joint. The symptoms of TMJ dysfunction can include:

• Ear pain
• Sore jaw muscles
• Temple/cheek pain
• Jaw popping/clicking
• Locking of the jaw
• Difficulty in opening the mouth fully
• Frequent head/neck aches

Am I a Candidate for TMJ Treatment?

If you have unmanageable pain in the TMJ area when you talk, chew, yawn, or swallow, you may be a good candidate for treatment.

What Does Treatment Involve?

TMJ treatment can be as simple as resting the jaw from excessive chewing (gum chewing should be especially avoided, and only soft foods should be eaten).

NSAID treatment (ibuprofen, naproxen) can be helpful, as can muscle relaxants such as Skelaxin or Soma (carisoprodol).

Surgery – when more conservative methods have failed, surgery may be indicated to relieve TMJ symptoms. These are three types of surgery which may be appropriate:

Arthroscopic Surgery – this is a procedure performed through a small instrument with a tiny camera attached. The operator may merely loosen some stickiness in the joint or in some cases reposition a displaced disc with the assistance of a laser and operative or surgical arthroscopic techniques.

Open Arthroplasty - A procedure performed by making an incision most often in a skin crease in front of the ear. This procedure is normally aimed at repairing or repositioning a displaced disc but sometimes can result in disc removal (menisectomy). If a disc is removed there are many techniques used today to attempt replacement.

Total Joint Replacement - A procedure performed by sometimes making two incisions, one in front of the ear as in open arthroplasty and one just under the angle of the jaw. This procedure is reserved for more severe and chronic conditions that will not respond to other surgical treatment modalities.

What Are the Advantages of Surgery?

Surgery offers a more permanent chance of correcting what can be a painful and uncomfortable problem.

How Many Treatments Are Required?

With surgery, usually one treatment obtains the desired result.

Will I Have Pain?

Surgical procedures may produce minor postoperative pain; this is usually well-managed with prescription analgesics.

When Can I Go Back To Work Or School?

You can usually return to work or school in a few days.

Who Will Perform My Treatment?

All treatments are performed by our expert oral surgeons.

What Are My Alternatives to Surgery?

• Medication
• Dietary Modification
• Warm Compresses

How Much Does TMJ Treatment Cost?

The cost for this procedure may vary from patient to patient depending on various factors; however, we guarantee that our pricing will always be competitive with that of other local providers furnishing equivalent services. We provide excellent financing options, and discounts for multiple procedures are available.

For Further Information

If you have been wondering how to improve your dental health, call TopSurgeons at 800-506-8084 and arrange a private consultation. We can answer any questions you might have about TMJ or anything else!