TMJ Treatment
Wake Up Without A Jaw Ache
With TMJ Treatment in Norfolk, You Can Get Lasting Pain Relief
TMJ treatment in Norfolk, VA can relieve jaw pain, improve movement, and let your enjoy everyday activities. Eastern Virginia OMS provides advanced care for patients who continue to have symptoms after conservative treatments have not provided enough relief.
Our surgeons offer a full range of TMJ care based on your needs. Your options may include arthrocentesis, open joint surgery with disc repositioning, or total joint replacement. When appropriate, we also coordinate conservative care such as physical therapy, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatory medications. Bite guards are generally provided by your general dentist.
Visit Eastern Virginia OMS to explore advanced TMJ treatment options and find the right level of care for lasting relief.
Explore How Surgical TMJ Solutions Can Help
Surgical care is not the starting point for most TMJ problems. But it can provide another option when symptoms continue after conservative treatment approaches like physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications. TMJ surgery can address problems inside the jaw joint that continue to cause pain or limited movement.
Eastern Virginia OMS offers several types of TMJ surgery based on the condition of the joint. Arthrocentesis uses small needles to flush the joint and may help improve movement. Arthroplasty allows the surgeon to open the joint and repair damaged structures. When needed, the disc can be repositioned and secured to the condyle with a Mitek anchor. For joints with severe damage, total joint replacement can restore a more stable, working joint.
Like other surgical procedures at our office, we can offer IV sedation to keep you calm throughout treatment. We may also administer Exparel, a long-lasting, time-release anesthetic that can help keep you comfortable for days after surgery.
Schedule a visit with Eastern Virginia OMS to learn whether advanced TMJ treatment in Norfolk, VA can improve your comfort and jaw function.
Reduce Ongoing Jaw Pain
Our team treats the joint problem that may be causing persistent discomfort.
Improve Jaw Movement
We can increase movement by repairing joint damage that makes opening or closing the mouth difficult.
Restore Better Joint Function
You'll experience smoother movement after damaged joint structures are repaired or replaced.
Address Disc Problems
Our surgeons can reposition and secure a displaced disc when this approach is appropriate.
Treat Severe Joint Damage
Our specialists can replace a badly damaged joint when other treatments cannot provide enough improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Treatment
Q What is TMJ treatment?
TMJ treatment includes care for problems affecting the temporomandibular joints, which connect the lower jaw to the skull. Treatment may focus on reducing pain, improving jaw movement, and correcting joint problems. Options range from physical therapy and medication to arthrocentesis, open joint surgery, and total joint replacement.
Q When is surgical TMJ treatment recommended?
Surgical TMJ treatment may be recommended when ongoing joint problems do not improve enough with conservative care. Patients often try physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, or other nonsurgical options first. Surgery may become appropriate when pain, limited movement, joint damage, or problems with the joint disc continue to affect daily life.
Q What types of TMJ surgery are available?
TMJ surgery can include several procedures based on the condition and severity of the joint problem. Arthrocentesis can flush the joint and improve movement, while arthroplasty allows direct repair of joint structures. Some patients may need disc repositioning, and severe joint damage may require total joint replacement.
Q How does arthrocentesis help with TMJ problems?
Arthrocentesis is a minimally invasive TMJ treatment that uses small needles to flush the jaw joint with sterile fluid. This process can remove inflammatory material and help the joint move more freely. It may be recommended for certain patients with joint pain, stiffness, or limited movement that has not improved with conservative treatment.
Q What is arthroplasty for TMJ treatment?
TMJ arthroplasty is an open surgical procedure that gives the surgeon direct access to the jaw joint. Depending on the problem, damaged tissue can be repaired or the joint disc can be repositioned. The goal is to address structural problems that may be causing ongoing pain, restricted movement, or poor joint function.
Q Can TMJ treatment include repositioning the joint disc?
TMJ treatment can include repositioning a displaced or damaged joint disc when the condition calls for surgical repair. During open joint surgery, the disc may be moved into a better position and secured to the condyle with a small anchor. This approach can help improve the relationship between structures within the jaw joint.
Q When is total joint replacement used for TMJ treatment?
Total TMJ joint replacement is generally reserved for severe joint damage that cannot be corrected with less extensive treatment. The damaged parts of the jaw joint are replaced with artificial components designed to restore stable movement and function. It may be considered for advanced joint disease, major structural damage, or previous treatments that were unsuccessful.
Q How long does recovery take after surgical TMJ treatment?
Recovery after surgical TMJ treatment depends on the procedure performed and the patient's individual needs. Less invasive procedures may have shorter recovery periods, while open surgery or total joint replacement requires more time. Swelling, soreness, and temporary limits on jaw movement may occur, and patients receive instructions for diet, activity, and follow-up care.
