Anyone who has ever experienced TMJ syndrome knows too well the awful pain that accompanies this condition. TMJ syndrome is a disorder where either the muscles holding the jaw go into spasm, or the actual jaw joint becomes damaged. Both causes lead to significant pain. When the pain becomes too much to bear, it is time to consider Oral Surgery in Mount Vernon IL. A surgeon who is experienced in treating TMJ syndrome can help stop the pain in its tracks.
Most dentists recommend a non-surgical approach to treating TMJ when symptoms first appear. This is to determine if the patient’s pain is muscular or bone related. The dentist will suggest the patient uses a warm compress to lessen pain and treat inflammation. Over-the-counter pain reducers may also be effective. Some patients get positive results from massage therapy or acupuncture. However, these conservative treatments will only help if muscle spasms are the underlying cause of the patient’s TMJ syndrome.
When conservative treatments fail, the patient will be referred to an oral surgeon for evaluation. If the jaw joint has damage, Oral Surgery in Mount Vernon IL may be the only solution. In this procedure, the surgeon will remove any debris from the jaw joint. If the cartilage disc that provides the cushion between the bones is out of place, they will attempt to realign it. This disc may also be misshaped. In this case, the surgeon will trim away any excess cartilage. In most cases, this surgery can be done with a very small incision. Only severe instances of TMJ syndrome require full open surgery or complete jaw replacement.
After surgery, the patient will be advised to maintain a liquid or soft food diet. The surgeon will evaluate the patient’s healing progress to determine when solid foods can be consumed. The patient should also avoid opening their mouth wide until healing is complete.
Surgery is a very effective way to treat TMJ syndrome that is caused by a damaged jaw joint. The Center For Jaw and Facial Surgery P.C. can evaluate you to see if surgery is the best option for your case. There is hope for treating TMJ, and no one should have to live in pain.
