TMJ Treatment
Address Complex TMJ Pain
Find Relief & Better Function With TMJ Treatment in Virginia Beach
Don't let persistent jaw pain, stiffness, or difficulty opening and closing your mouth interfere with eating, speaking, and other daily activities. TMJ treatment in Virginia Beach gives you options for addressing temporomandibular joint problems that continue despite initial, nonsurgical approaches.
Eastern Virginia OMS typically becomes involved when conservative treatment has not provided sufficient improvement. For conditions requiring more advanced intervention, our oral and maxillofacial surgeons can perform arthrocentesis as well as surgical procedures to repair or replace damaged joint structures. Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and muscle relaxants may be used along with surgery when appropriate. Bite guards are generally provided by a patient's general dentist.
The right approach to TMJ dysfunction depends on the source and severity of your symptoms. Our surgeons evaluate the joint and your treatment history to determine what type of care may be appropriate.
Take the Next Step When TMJ Symptoms Persist
TMJ disorders can develop for different reasons, which means there is no single treatment that works for every patient. For many people, conservative measures are the appropriate place to begin. When pain, restricted movement, or joint dysfunction continues, evaluation by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon can help identify whether a more advanced treatment is warranted.
Arthrocentesis is one option for certain joint problems. This minimally invasive procedure uses small needles to access and flush the joint space. More significant structural problems may require open joint surgery, also called arthroplasty. During this procedure, the surgeon can directly access the joint and, when appropriate, reposition a displaced disc and secure it to the condyle. Total joint replacement may be considered when severe damage makes preservation of the existing joint impractical.
Advanced intervention isn't automatically necessary simply because you have TMJ symptoms. The goal is to match treatment to the condition of your joint, previous care, and functional concerns.
Schedule an evaluation at Eastern Virginia OMS to learn whether TMJ treatment in Virginia Beach can help address persistent jaw pain or dysfunction.
Ease Persistent Jaw Discomfort
Our surgeons can address joint conditions that may contribute to ongoing pain after conservative approaches haven't provided sufficient improvement.
Increase Range of Motion
Surgical TMJ treatment may improve jaw movement when stiffness or joint dysfunction makes opening and closing your mouth difficult.
Improve Joint Function
Advanced TMJ treatment can address structural problems within the temporomandibular joint that interfere with comfortable, coordinated movement.
Correct Disc Position
When appropriate, open joint surgery can reposition and secure a displaced TMJ disc to improve its relationship with surrounding structures.
Address Advanced Joint Damage
Total joint replacement provides a surgical option when severe TMJ deterioration can't be adequately managed with less extensive treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Treatment
Q What is a TMJ disorder?
A TMJ disorder is a condition affecting one or both temporomandibular joints, which connect the lower jaw to the skull. Problems may involve the joints themselves, the disc, surrounding muscles, or related structures. Symptoms can include jaw pain, stiffness, restricted movement, and difficulty in comfortably opening or closing the mouth.
Q When should I see an oral surgeon for TMJ problems?
An oral surgeon may become involved when persistent TMJ symptoms do not improve sufficiently with conservative treatment or when significant joint damage or structural problems are suspected. An evaluation can help determine the right approach: additional nonsurgical management, a minimally invasive procedure, or surgical treatment.
Q What conservative treatments are usually tried before TMJ surgery?
Initial TMJ treatments can include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, muscle relaxants, dietary changes, and other measures intended to reduce stress on the temporomandibular joint. Some patients may also use a bite guard provided by their general dentist. Appropriate treatments depend on the suspected cause and severity of the TMJ problem.
Q What is TMJ arthrocentesis?
TMJ arthrocentesis is a minimally invasive procedure in which small needles are introduced into the temporomandibular joint space. Sterile fluid is used to flush the joint, which can help remove inflammatory substances and improve mobility. It may be considered when certain joint symptoms persist despite conservative TMJ treatment.
Q When might open joint TMJ surgery be necessary?
Open joint TMJ surgery may be considered when structural problems within the TMJ cannot be adequately addressed through conservative care or less invasive procedures. Arthroplasty gives the surgeon direct access to the joint, so damaged structures can be evaluated and treated. The exact procedure depends on the patient's diagnosis and joint condition.
Q Can a displaced TMJ disc be repositioned?
In selected cases, a displaced TMJ disc can be surgically repositioned. During open joint surgery, the surgeon accesses the TMJ, moves the disc into a more appropriate position, and may secure it to the condyle with an anchor. Whether disc repositioning is appropriate depends on the condition of the joint and disc.
Q When is total TMJ replacement considered?
Total TMJ replacement is generally reserved for severe TMJ damage or disease when preserving the existing joint is no longer an effective option. Artificial components replace damaged portions of the joint to create a stable functional articulation. It is a more extensive treatment and is recommended only after careful evaluation.
Q How long does recovery from TMJ treatment take?
Recovery from TMJ treatment varies significantly according to the treatment performed. Arthrocentesis generally involves a different recovery period than open arthroplasty or total joint replacement. Surgical patients may experience temporary swelling, soreness, and changes in jaw movement. Your surgeon will provide procedure-specific instructions for diet, activity, rehabilitation, and follow-up care.
