Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are a global problem and affect millions of individuals and causing them a lot of pain and discomfort that may interfere with their daily lives, i.e., eating, talking, and sleeping. You are not the only one who feels pain in the jaw, hears clicking, or cannot open their mouth. Understanding your TMJ treatment options is the first step toward finding relief and restoring your quality of life.

At Englewood Oral Surgery, we believe in a comprehensive approach to TMJ care, offering everything from conservative therapies to advanced surgical solutions. Let's explore the various treatment options available and help you understand which approach might be right for your specific situation.

Understanding TMJ Disorder

What is the Temporomandibular Joint?

The temporomandibular joint is another complicated set of joints in your body, and it links your lower jaw (mandible) and your skull. This complex joint enables you to open and close your mouth, chew, speak, and yawn. A dysfunctional state of this joint may result in a medical condition referred to as TMJ disorder or temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

Common TMJ Symptoms

TMJ disorder is a condition that has multiple symptoms that can have a serious effect on your day-to-day life:

• Tenderness of the joint and pain in the jaw.

• Hearing clicking, popping, or grinding when your mouth is opened or closed.

• Lockjaw or limited mouth opening, which prevents normal functioning.

• Neck and shoulder pain that can be accompanied by facial pain.

• Headaches and earaches that seem unrelated to other conditions.

• Problem with chewing or pain during eating.

When you have any of such symptoms, it is necessary to consult with a TMJ specialist in Englewood, NJ, who will be able to examine you properly to diagnose your problem and prescribe you the required treatment.

Comprehensive TMJ Treatment Options

Tier 1: Conservative Therapies - The First Line of Defense

The majority of TMJ treatment starts with non-invasive and conservative methods, which are sometimes very effective. These TMJ conservative treatment aim at avoiding swelling, pain, and treating underlying causes.

Lifestyle Modifications

Simple lifestyle changes can provide significant relief for many TMJ patients:

• Soft diet implementation: The hard, chewy, and tough foods should be avoided as they cause stress to the joint.

• Stress management techniques: As stress is a possible cause of teeth grinding and jaw clenching, stress coping methods, meditation, and stress-relieving methods can be extremely useful.

• Jaw rest: Limiting unnecessary talking, chewing gums, and wide mouth opening.

• Heat and cold therapy: Applying warm compresses or ice packs to reduce inflammation and pain.

Splints and Night Guards (Oral Appliances)

Custom-fitted oral appliances are among the most effective TMJ treatment options for many patients. These devices:

• Protect teeth from grinding and clenching during sleep.

• Reposition the jaw to reduce joint tension.

• Cushion the upper and lower teeth.

• Improve joint alignment and reduce muscle tension

At Englewood Oral Surgery, we create custom splints tailored to your specific jaw anatomy and TMJ condition.

Physical Therapy and Medication

Professional physical therapy can teach you exercises to:

• Strengthen jaw muscles and improve joint mobility.

• Reduce muscle tension through targeted stretching.

• Improve posture, which often contributes to TMJ problems.

Drugs can also be used, like anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or painkillers, to help control the symptoms until other interventions work.

Tier 2: Minimally Invasive Procedures - When Conservative Treatment Isn't Enough

If conservative treatments don't provide adequate relief after several months, minimally invasive procedures may be recommended. These TMJ treatment options are more precise in intervention without a significant surgery.

TMJ Arthrocentesis (Joint Lavage)

TMJ arthrocentesis is a simple outpatient procedure that involves:

• Washing the joint with sterile fluid to clear up inflammatory debris.

• Breaking up adhesions that may be limiting joint movement.

• Reducing inflammation and improving joint lubrication.

This procedure has been reported to be very successful among patients who experience stiffness and limited opening of the joints.

Therapeutic Injections

Advanced injection therapies can provide targeted relief:

• Steroid injections: Reduce inflammation directly within the joint space.

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Takes advantage of the natural healing components of your body to aid in tissue healing.

• Hyaluronic acid injections: Lubricate joints and eliminate friction.

TMJ Arthroscopy

In more complicated cases, arthroscopic surgery can provide:

• Direct visualization of the joint interior.

• Removal of scar tissue or displaced disc material.

• Joint irrigation and debris removal.

• Minimally invasive approach with smaller incisions and faster recovery.

Tier 3: Surgical Solutions - When Surgery is Necessary

In the case of severe TMJ disorders that do not respond to the conservative or least invasive methods, TMJ surgery options can be used to regain functionality and remove pain.

Modified Condylotomy

This procedure involves:

• Reforming the condyle (rounded end of jaw jawbone).

• Strengthening joints and reducing load.

• Correction of structural abnormalities that lead to dysfunction.

• Preserving joint anatomy while correcting problems.

Open-Joint Surgery (Arthroplasty and Joint Replacement)

In the most extreme cases, there can be open surgical procedures involving:

• Joint reconstruction to repair damaged structures.

• Disc repositioning or replacement.

• Total joint replacement for severely damaged or arthritic joints.

• Full-fledged rehabilitation to recover full functionality.

Why Choose Dr. David Kessler at Englewood Oral Surgery for TMJ Treatment?

In the case of TMJ treatment in Englewood, NJ, an appropriate specialist is of the utmost importance in the achievement of good results. Dr. David Kessler brings unique qualifications to TMJ care:

Dual Degree Expertise (DMD & MD)

The dental and medical training available to Dr. Kessler offers:

• Extensive knowledge of facial anatomy and the work of joints.

• Medical perspective on systemic factors affecting TMJ.

• Surgical expertise to handle complicated cases that need treatment.

• Holistic approach to patient care.

Advanced Diagnostic Technology

In our practice, the state-of-the-art 3D imaging technology is applied, which gives us:

• Detailed joint visualization for accurate diagnosis.

• Planning of treatment to maximize results.

• Less invasive techniques based on state-of-the-art imaging.

• Progress monitoring throughout treatment.

At Englewood Oral Surgery, we're committed to providing the most advanced TMJ care available, ensuring that each patient receives personalized treatment based on their specific needs and condition severity.

Conclusion: Take the First Step Toward TMJ Relief

TMJ pain should not take away your life. You might have pain in your jaw, clicking, or other TMJ symptoms, and with medical attention and care, you will get the relief you want. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. David Kessler and explore your personalized TMJ treatment options.

Our team is committed to helping you achieve lasting relief through the most appropriate and effective treatment approach for your specific condition. Whether it is a conservative treatment or sophisticated surgery, we are all here to help you stepwise to a better quality of life with a well-functioning jaw and pain-free living.

Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Treatment

Does Stress Cause TMJ?

• Although stress does not directly lead to TMJ, it is a contributing factor with a major effect of teeth grinding and jaw clenching, especially when one is asleep. Stress management, which can be achieved by means of relaxation methods, physical activity, and lifestyle change, is usually a significant part of overall TMJ treatment.

Is Surgery Always Needed for TMJ?

• No, surgery is hardly ever the initial mode of treatment. The majority of the TMJ patients are relieved by less invasive interventions, such as oral appliances, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy. The operation is usually a last resort in case of severe cases that are not responding to other, less invasive methods.

How Long Does TMJ Recovery Take?

The time of recovery differs greatly according to the method of treatment:

• Conservative treatments: 2-6 months to see a difference.

• Minimally invasive procedures: 2-4 weeks for initial recovery.

• Surgical interventions: 6-12 weeks to full recovery.