The area of your jaw where the base of your skull joins it is called the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ). It is situated on the side of your head adjacent to your ear and facilitates the opening, closing, and side-to-side movement of your jaw.
WHAT IS THE TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT (TMJ)?
The point on your skull where the mandible, or lower jaw, joins the base is called the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This permits movement of your mouth side to side as well as forward and backward in addition to opening and closing.
The TMJ’s internal disc serves as a shock absorber and shields the bones from abrasion. The TMJ’s posture and jaw motions during speaking, chewing, and swallowing are controlled by the muscles that are linked to it: the temporalis, masseter, and pterygoid.
What is open TMJ surgery?
Through a skin incision, your surgeon can view into your temporomandibular joint (TMJ, or jaw joint) during an open TMJ procedure.
Joint surface damage and torn cartilage are among the issues that your surgeon can identify and fix. The cartilage disc can be removed or repositioned, and the surfaces of the upper and lower joints can be reshaped.
What are the symptoms of TMJ disorder?
- Pain on opening, chewing and yawning, particularly when opening widely
- Limitation in opening of the mouth (Trismus)
- A stuck or locked jaw (Closed lock)
- Clicking, grinding or popping noises from the TMJ
- A limited range of jaw movement
- Swelling over the joint or face
- Pain in or around the ears and cheeks
- Headaches, migraines and nausea
- An uncomfortable bite
- Inability for the front teeth to close together
WHAT CAUSES TMJ DISORDERS?
TMJ disorders can also be due to:
- Either damage to or displacement of the disc
- Connective tissue disorders that affect the temporomandibular joint
- The joint’s cartilage lining being damaged by arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory arthritis
- The joint being damaged by injury such as a blow or other impact
- Malformation of the TMJ anatomy from birth (Genetic predisposition)
For whom is TMJ surgery a good option?
Surgery for the TMJ may be suggested by your doctor if:
- You feel consistent, intense pain or tenderness when you open or close your mouth.
- You can’t open or close your mouth all the way.
- You have trouble eating or drinking because of jaw pain or immobility.
- Your pain or immobility gets progressively worse, even with rest or other nonsurgical treatments.
- You have specific structural problems or diseases in your jaw joint, which have been confirmed radiologically with imaging, such as an MRI
For more information on temporomandibular join surgery, please contact our clinic – Dr. Ramisz Dental & Facial Cosmetic Clinic.