TMJ Disorder Treatment

Jaw Joint Pain Relief

The hinge responsible for allowing the mouth to open and close is called the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ. If you place your fingers directly in front of your ears and open and close your mouth, you can feel this joint. We use our TMJ in everyday activities, such as speaking and chewing.

A TMJ disorder is present when there is pain in and around the joint and surrounding muscles. Although it is a common condition, its cause is varied. Common causes of a TMJ disorder include

• Jaw injury
• Injury to the muscles of the neck and/or head
• Arthritis
• Severe clenching and/or grinding of the teeth
• Perforated or displaced disk

TMJ Disorder Symptoms

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have a TMJ disorder:

• Difficulty opening mouth
• Pain around the ears or in the jaw joints
• Trouble with chewing
• Sounds when opening and closing the mouth, such as grating, popping, or clicking
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Loss of hearing, ear pain, or ringing in the ears

TMJ Disorder Treatment

Many TMJ disorders can be effectively treated using nonsurgical methods, such as pain relievers, bite guards, or physical therapy. However, if conservative treatments fail, or in the case of severe TMJ, surgical intervention may be recommended.

When you come to Canyon Oral & Facial Surgery, you will meet with one of our experienced oral surgeons, who will perform a complete oral examination, review and/or request any diagnostic scans, and develop a treatment plan for your condition. If surgery is determined to be the right treatment for you, you are in excellent hands: Dr. Falk, Dr. Moody, and Dr. Yau are highly skilled in end-stage total joint replacement.