Temporomandibular Joints Surgery (TMJ) in Los Angeles, CA
What is a Temporomandibular Joint Disorder? (TMD.)
The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are a crucial part of the face, because they are the foundation of jaw health. TMJs determine the position of the jaws, how the face develops and functions, the appearance of the face, and the comfort level of the mouth and jaw.
NON SURGICAL OPTIONS FOR TMD
Fortunately there are many very effective treatment options for tempero-mandibular joint disorders. (Please see www.OrthodonticCenter.LA)
These include custom made TMJ appliances that can be worn to help position and protect the temporo-mandibular joints.
Sometime additional modalities may be helpful including:
Botox, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, ultra sound, heat, ice, flouri-methane spray, trans cutaneous electrical stimulation, injections, physical therapy, iontophoresis, exercises, counseling, biochemistry evaluation and education.
Without healthy TMJ’s, or supportive therapy, a patient receiving corrective jaw surgery might not achieve their desired outcome.
Some symptoms of TMJ disorders include the following:
- Earaches
- Headaches and facial pain
- Inability to fully open one’s mouth
- Pain when opening one’s mouth
- Dental, skeletal or facial deformities or asymmetry
- Sleep trouble
- Myofascial pain and/or neck pain
Fortunately TMJ surgery and TMJ replacements are rarely needed.
JAW SURGERY LOS ANGELES welcomes patients from throughout the USA and abroad for JAW SURGERY (Orthognathic Surgery) and for TMJ diagnosis, treatment and
non surgical management. (Please see www.OrthodonticCenter.LA)
Fortunately surgery of the temperomandibular joints are rarely needed.
WHAT DOES TMJ SURGERY INVOLVE?
Arthroscopic Surgery and Arthrocentesis — Surgeons at Jaw Surgery Los Angeles have special instruments to help irrigate the joint or to move a disc that has been displaced and is causing the joint not to function properly. They can also inject a solution to help reduce any adhesions and attempt to “clean the joint”. Fortunately, this is rarely needed and much more conservative non-surgical treatments are often very successful.
Open Arthroplasty — This is a surgical procedure where an incision is made in front of the ear to access and surgically repair or reconstruct the TM joint and/or move, remove, and replacing a displaced disc. This procedure is not typically recommended or performed by specialists at Jaw Surgery Los Angeles and is rarely necessary. It is only recommended in extreme cases where all conservative treatments and protocols have been exhausted. Fortunately, at Jaw Surgery Los Angeles, specialists have developed protocols and procedures that are very effective for most patients suffering from temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction.
Total Joint Replacement — Specialists at Jaw Surgery Los Angeles do not generally recommend replacing the TM joints. There are many more effective protocols and treatments and total joint replacement is very rarely necessary and is not always successful, as evidenced by the literature and reporting of fellow specialists and surgeons worldwide. Unlike knee or hip surgery, total joint replacement of the TMJ can be precarious and unpredictable.