TMJ and Facial Pain Management

What is TMJ and TMD?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a small joint located in front of the ear where the skull and lower jaw meet. When the TMJ experiences dysfunction, it gives rise to a condition called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).

Understanding Temporomandibular Disorders

Discomfort is the primary symptom experienced by individuals with TMD. Additional symptoms may include clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint, jaw locking, headaches and facial swelling.

Fortunately, most cases of TMD can be effectively treated with conservative, non-surgical therapies. These treatment options encompass the use of splints, physical therapy, botox injections, medications, adopting a soft diet and breaking bad TMJ habits.

In certain instances, surgical intervention on the TMJ may be necessary to address specific TMD issues. However, surgery is typically considered only after several unsuccessful attempts with conservative therapies. In rare instances, there are pathological conditions within the temporomandibular joint that require a surgical procedure or even joint reconstruction.