TMJ Disorders
Many times TMJ pain and discomfort can be self-managed, but in more serious cases surgical intervention may be required. Early detection and treatment are important because TMJ problems can lead to more serious conditions.
What Causes TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint is composed of muscles, tendons, and bones. It acts like a sliding ball and socket with a shock-absorbing disc sandwiched between it which keeps the motion smooth. The lower jaw slides in and out of the joint when you chew, yawn, or talk. If this disc pops out of alignment, then TMJ symptoms may occur. TMJ can also result from damage to the jaw due from disease or injury and/or damage to the cartilage from arthritis. In many cases, the cause of TMJ is unclear.
TMJ Symptoms
Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when you chew
Grinding or clenching your teeth
Pain when you open your mouth or yawn
Aching facial pain or in and around your ears
Frequent neck aches or headaches
Uneven bite
Pain upon waking in the morning
Chewing on one side of the jaw
Fullness or ringing in the ears
Dizziness
You have probably already discussed these symptoms with your family dentist. If he or she has not been able to provide relief, you have most likely been referred to Southwest Oral & Implant Surgery. Dr. Eklund is skilled at treating serious TMJ Disorders. He can discuss your options and devise a treatment plan to alleviate your pain and discomfort.
Dr. Eklund will conduct a thorough examination that may include X-rays and CT scan to examine the bones and joints as well as a MRI to examine the soft tissue and gain a complete overview of the problem. They will start your treatment with techniques to relieve muscle spasm and joint pain which can include pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, or muscle relaxants and self-care treatments such as applying ice and heat. Corticosteroid injections and/or BOTOX injections directly into the joint to reduce pain and inflammation have also been proven effective.
Bite Correction / TMJ Surgery
Dr. Eklund does not consider TMJ surgery unless there is clear joint damage, the jaw can’t open or is dislocated, has severe degeneration, or the patient has not responded to all other treatment attempts.
When all other TMJ remedies have failed, Dr. Eklund can perform restorative oral surgery to repair or remove the disk between your mandible and temporal bone and improve joint motion and mechanics.
Other surgical interventions include:
Bite adjustment / balancing
Corrective jaw surgery
Partial or total joint replacement
Arthrocentesis
Replacing missing teeth
Adjustment of bridges or crowns
TMJ surgery is an outpatient procedure performed in complete comfort at Southwest Oral & Implant Surgery’s sterile surgical suite. You have a choice of
anesthesia options including local
anesthesia, local anesthesia with nitrous (laughing gas), or intravenous (IV) sedation (twilight sleep or conscious sedation). No matter which option you choose, the trained staff at Southwest Oral & Implant Surgery will be at your side to reassure you and answer any questions you may have.
Contact Us Referring Doctors section for more information. If you are a patient who would like to schedule an appointment, visit the Contact Us section for hours, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses.
