When the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in the jaw is dysfunctional or stressed, it can cause pain, discomfort and many other symptoms. TMJ disorders, also referred to as TMD, are common and affect millions of people. At Stafford Oral Surgery & Specialists, we work with dentists and orthodontists to help treat TMD and give relief to our patients.

TMJ disorders can cause many facial, jaw and oral problems. TMJ can be a result of bruxism, which is a clenching of the jaw or grinding the teeth. Other causes include misalignments, arthritis, trauma and overuse of the jaw muscles. Symptoms of TMJ/TMD can include:

• Popping or clicking sounds in the jaw
• Jaw or facial pain
• Earaches, headaches or neck pain
• Difficulty opening or closing the mouth

Often the pain is localized, but not always. TMJ disorders are often misdiagnosed when the symptoms radiate to the neck, ears or cause headaches. However, once properly diagnosed, there are treatment options available that can offer relief.

Jaw Pain, Facial Pain Relief!

Some people with TMJ disorders can find relief by simply wearing a nightguard when they sleep to prevent teeth grinding and extra stress on the jaw. Others may need to wear braces or aligners to adjust their teeth alignment. When these less intrusive options do not offer relief, there are surgical treatments that can be used to combat the pain and discomfort of TMD.

At Stafford Oral Surgery & Specialists, we work with our referring dentists and orthodontists to treat patients with TMJ disorders and find a resolution that will give relief. Options can include jaw realignment surgery, reconstruction surgery for injuries or surgical arthroscopy. We will carefully explore all the options and use our expertise to find the best solution for the patient based on their medical needs.

If you have been suffering from TMD, there are treatment options available to give you relief. Our team at Stafford Oral Surgery & Specialists is here to help you find the best treatment for your TMJ disorder to stop the pain and discomfort. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation for you or a family member.