The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ for short, is a hinge-like joint located between your jawbone and skull. Without the TMJ, you wouldn’t be able to talk, chew, or do anything else with your mouth.
Some people can experience painful TMJ disorders (TMD). If conservative treatments like oral splints and mouthguards don’t resolve the problem, surgery might be necessary to provide a permanent solution to the issue.
Dr. Anthony Farole provides corrective TMJ surgery from his facial cosmetic surgery center in Bala Cynwyd, PA. Learn more about Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, how it can be treated and if you’re a likely candidate for TMJ treatment.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint facilitates the movement of the lower jaw (the mandible) and gets aligned with the ears. It’s an essential joint because it enables your jaw to open and close.
Sadly, some people experience TMJ disorders; the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates that over 10+ million Americans experience TMJ disorders, and they are more prevalent in women than men.
It’s unknown what causes TMJ disorders, although trauma to the jaw or TMJ can often play a role, as can health conditions like arthritis, birth-related structural jaw problems, and chronic teeth grinding and clenching – especially during sleep.
How to Treat TMJ
Aside from issues opening and closing the mouth, TMJ disorders can present many symptoms like severe headaches and earaches. Other symptoms include grinding or clicking noises when moving the jaw or opening the mouth.
If you have a TMJ disorder, the good news is that it’s treatable with surgery. It makes sense to contact a maxillofacial surgeon such as Dr. Farole when symptoms first appear. Dr. Farole is a board-certified maxillofacial and oral surgeon.
Before recommending surgery, Dr. Farole will examine you and first check if a more conservative option like a simple dental treatment can resolve your TMJ disorder. If not, surgery can then get put forward as a viable treatment option.
Benefits of TMJ Treatment
If you experience a TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder), getting the problem treated as soon as possible makes sense. What are the benefits of TMJ treatment?
Firstly, TMJ treatment will target the cause of the problem, whether it’s due to trauma, a congenital disability, or chronic teeth grinding and clenching.
Secondly, having TMJ treatment means you will no longer be in pain. Many people with a TMJ disorder experience constant headaches and earaches and pain opening their mouths or moving their jaws.
Lastly, seeking help from Dr. Farole means you will have a TMJ treatment that offers the best results and addresses your TMJ disorder correctly.
Am I a Candidate for TMJ Treatment?
You could be a candidate for TMJ treatment if you have constant earaches, headaches, or have problems opening your mouth or moving your jaw.
Dr. Farole will conduct a thorough examination to confirm that you have a TMJ disorder and discuss the best treatment options.
Take the Next Step
Are you interested in learning more about TMJ Surgery? Schedule a consultation at Dr. Farole’s Facial Cosmetic Surgery Center in Bala Cynwyd, PA by giving us a call at (610) 668-3300 today.