OMS Procedures

TMJ Dysfunction

Temporomandibular Joint or TMJ dysfunction is a type of jaw disorder which can cause jaw pain.  The TM joint is located in front of the ear.  The symptoms of TMJ dysfunction may include popping and clicking, difficulty in chewing, and the inability to move your jaw easily or smoothly accompanied by pain in your jaw, head or neck.  This may occur on only one side or on both sides (bilaterally).  In most severe cases, the joint may lock open or closed.

 

Do You Have A TMJ Disorder?

  • Are you aware of grinding or clenching your teeth?
  • Do you wake up with sore, stiff muscles around your jaws?
  • Do you have frequent headaches or neck aches?
  • Does the pain get worse when you clench your teeth?
  • Does stress make your clenching and pain worse?
  • Does your jaw click, pop, grate, catch, or lock when you open your mouth?
  • Is it difficult or painful to open your mouth, eat, or yawn?
  • Have you ever injured your neck, head, or jaws?
  • Have you had problems (such as arthritis) with other joints?
  • Do you have teeth that no longer touch when you bite?
  • Do your teeth meet differently from time to time?
  • Is it hard to use your front teeth to bite or tear food?
  • Are your teeth sensitive, loose, broken or worn?
 
The more times you answered "yes", the more likely it is that you have a TMJ disorder. It is important to diagnose and treat these problems early. You should talk with your general dentist, medical doctor or orthodontist and, if they feel a referral is appropriate, we will be happy to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Angell.
 
The first consultation appointment is 40-60 minutes. This type of an appointment will require a panoramic x-ray to evaluate TM joints. We can use a current one provided by your referring practitioner or we will take one in our office. Dr. Angell will review your health history, evaluate the TM joints and surrounding area with the panoramic x-ray and do an oral examination. This will help Dr. Angell to rule out or confirm a diagnosis of a TMJ disorder and possible causes. Understanding TMJ disorders will also help you understand how they are treated.
 

TMJ Surgery Overview

For a brief narrated overview of the TMJ surgery process, please click the image below. It will launch our flash educational MiniModule in a separate window that may answer some of your questions about TMJ surgery.

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Treatment

Dr. Angell will help you to understand the anatomy of the TM joint and what treatment options are available to relieve your symptoms. Conservative treatment options may include prescription medication to help control muscle tightness and pain, occlusal splint therapy (provided by your general dentist or orthodontist), psychological evaluation by a qualified practitioner, physical therapy, which may include relaxation techniques, biofeedback and electrical stimulation. In more severe cases, Dr. Angell may ask for an MRI-study of your TM joint to determine if surgical intervention is needed.  Self-care treatments can often be effective as well and include:

  • Resting your jaw
  • Keeping your teeth apart when you are not swallowing or eating
  • Eating soft foods
  • Applying ice and heat
  • Exercising your jaw
  • Practicing good posture

What About Surgery?

If you are a candidate for surgery, Dr. Angell and our technical staff will help you to understand the surgical process and the extent of treatment needed. You will also work with our financial team to determine your insurance benefits and if coverage is available for this type of surgery. When you are fully understand all the aspects of your care, you will then be able to make an informed decision about how your treatment will proceed.