TMJ/Joint Disorders
Joint disorders consist of a group of conditions that cause pain or dysfunction in the jaw joints and chewing muscles.
Joint disorders consist of a group of conditions that cause pain or dysfunction in the jaw joints and chewing muscles. Other problems may include limited mouth opening, jaw locking and clicking in the jaw joint. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are specifically trained in diagnosing and treating these conditions .
The diagnosis is based on the clinical examination and review of the patient's history. Sometimes imaging studies like x-rays, MRI scan or CT scan are indicated.
The management of these conditions usually involves a variety of simple treatments that can include medications, physiotherapy and/or night guard therapy. These simple measures help the overwhelming majority of patients.
A small percentage of patients with TMD can benefit from surgical treatment. There are a variety of surgical treatments that can be considered. Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure carried out in hospital as a day surgery. A small operating telescope is inserted into the joint and displays a video picture that allows direct examination inside the joint.
