Archive for the ‘Pain’ category

All about TMJ surgery

April 27th, 2011

TMJ syndrome is a condition in which the joint that connects our jaws to our skulls are swollen or inflamed and this disorder can be treated with the TMJ surgery, too. When we experience this malfunction, the pain experienced is the most difficult part to bear, that makes it especially difficult to open and close the mouth. It may also lead to swollen face and the jaw could be tender or tough as a result of this condition. There are a variety of causes of TMJ. They are: 1) joint damage as a result of clenching or grinding, 2) the abnormal form of the joint, 3) joint dislocation and 4) the effect of Rheumatoid arthritis of the joint. There are some signs of TMJ for detection. If you have a pain in the jaw and ears, then it can be a sign that you have the TMJ syndrome. Another symptom is headache or the chin becomes hard and swollen. Problems with teeth can make you prone to TMJ syndrome. People with upper and lower teeth that do not line up, grind them and tend to suffer from this dysfunction. People who had braces earlier are more likely to suffer from this disorder, too.

TMJ Surgery

There are several ways to address the TMJ concern. TMJ Surgery is an example of TMJ treatment. TMJ Surgery, however, should be done only in severe cases. The TMJ surgery is performed when the pain becomes unbearable due to dysfunction and irreparable damage. When surgery is not necessary, doctors use non-invasive methods to treat this condition. Good and non-invasive treatment of TMJ is the use of biofeedback headband at night. This helps the sufferers in reducing their unconscious grinding and clenching of teeth, known as bruxism. Headaches accompanied by the condition are also helped by the biofeedback band. Wearing a belt during sleep also reduces the damage to your jaw. In addition to TMJ surgery and use of the biofeedback, you can also take drugs for the treatment of TMJ. Muscle relaxants also help get rid of a swollen chin. Some patients use painkillers but they will be ineffective, in some cases. Stress makes the TMJ symptoms worse, so some doctors prescribe antidepressants. However, in order to get rid of TMJ completely, it is recommended to undergo the TMJ surgery.

General TMJ surgery includes watering your jaw joint. You are put under general anesthesia and surgery only takes a minute or two. Usually there is some swelling that occurs after surgery. But if your TMJ pain is better after this procedure, it is considered a success. If the pain does not disappear, you may have to undergo one of the most invasive surgeries to get the relief you need.

There is another type of TMJ surgery which requires you to take a general anesthesia, and it can take about two hours. The entire jaw set is re-attached in the right place and all the ligaments and muscles that need to be taken care of, are restored. There are some other types of TMJ surgery but you have to consult your surgeon and then decide as to what type for TMJ surgery you should undergo depending on your TMJ condition.

TMJ Surgery terms:

  • tmj dysfunction
  • TMJ joint
  • surgery for tmj
  • arthroscopic tmj surgery
  • treatment for tmj