TMJ disorders

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders are a family of disorders related to the jaw joint. It most commonly manifests with symptoms such as ‘clicking’, ‘locking’ and pain over the jaw joint while opening or eating.

Most TMJ issues are related to the TMJ cartilaginous disc or surrounding musculature and can be managed with a range of non-surgical therapies such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, heat packs, massage and possibly a bite splint. However some types of TMJ conditions can lead to more serious conditions and occasionally require surgery. Surgery is considered in cases where the disc is not functioning (irreducible), undergone severe degeneration, significant problems with the condyle itself or failure of non-surgical therapies.

Consultation with an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon is required before considering surgical therapy. Specific imaging such as Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may be required. Surgeries include arthrocentesis, disc repositioning, disc removal and in severe cases, TMJ total joint replacement.