TMJ Surgery: How to Find the Right TMJ Specialist
The temporomandibular joint disorder is a condition related to the jaw joint; it involves pain and discomfort and limits the ability to perform simple tasks like chewing, speaking or even yawning. But beyond these physical issues, TMJ disorders affect other aspects of your life, from reduced ability to work to financial burdens. Consulting a TMJ specialist is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. TMD impacts 34% of people all over the world, as highlighted by MDPI.
Despite being such a common problem, TMJ issues are still often confused with other conditions like wisdom tooth pain or ear pain, as the symptoms can be similar, leading to confusion about the root cause of the discomfort.
But once you figure out that you are suffering from TMJ disorder, what’s the next step? Many people struggle with this question. The ultimate TMJ disorder solution can be found with only a TMJ specialist. So, how do you find the right TMJ specialist? We will answer this question for you in our blog, along with some other things that you must know before going for a Temporomandibular joint surgery.
TMJ Disorders Diagnosis and Treatment
Your healthcare provider will diagnose your TMJ disorder by performing a physical examination, like observing your range of motion when you open and close your mouth or pressing your face near the jaw joint to locate the exact area of pain.
They might also do some image testing to get a better look at the joint and check its main cause. Test includes:
- X-rays
- Computed Tomography (CT) scans
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
One of the most common challenges in the diagnosis of TMJ disorder is misinterpretation by the patient.
Most people mistake TMJ pain for other conditions because their symptoms are similar. As a result, they are often confused about whom to consult for TMJ pain:
Below are the common assumptions people make:
- Neurological Problem: Patients sometimes mistake TMJ pain for a neurological problem and end up consulting neurophysicians or neurosurgeons.
- Ear Pain: TMD sometimes leads to ear pain also, and people may go to an ENT specialist thinking they have an ear issue.
- Dental Issue: TMJ pain is also believed to be a dental problem, and as such, people end up having dental procedures done, such as having TMJ splints and mouthguards.
All these solutions do not give adequate relief from TMJ pain.
The key to effective TMJ treatment lies in consulting the right specialist. Unlike other healthcare professionals, a maxillofacial surgeon, who is exclusively trained in TMJ surgery, is the right expert to treat your TMJ disorder. They have the right expertise and skills to accurately diagnose it and offer the proper treatment as per your requirements.
After the disorder has been diagnosed, the treatment depends on the degree of the TMJ disorder and the type. The treatments can be divided into non-surgical and surgical ones.
Usually, when the disorder is at an early stage, non-surgical TMJ disorder solutions are enough to control it. That involves physical therapy, medications, stress management, lifestyle changes, etc.
However, when these methods do not offer sufficient relief, surgical TMJ disorder solutions may be recommended.
TMJ Disorder Solutions: TMJ Surgery
In severe cases of TMJ disorders, TMJ surgery can provide lasting relief when other treatments have not been effective. These disorders, which may lead to restriction of jaw movements and constant pain, may necessitate surgery to correct the problem and reduce pain. The aim of TMJ surgery is to correct structural issues within the temporomandibular joint, allowing patients to experience long-term relief.
Here are the two most common Temporomandibular joint surgery techniques:
- TMJ Arthroscopy (Keyhole Surgery)
One of the less invasive options for TMJ surgery is TMJ arthroscopy.
Surgeons often perform this surgery when synovitis or disc adhesions cause discomfort and limit the jaw’s opening. In TMJ arthroscopy, the surgeon uses a small incision near the ear and passes a thin tube which contains a camera and light. This enables them to do things such as debride scar tissue, reduce inflammation, contour the bone or reposition the disc. TMJ arthroscopy is less invasive; therefore, the recovery time is short and beneficial to patients with moderate symptoms if non-surgical treatments don’t work.
- Open Joint Surgery
In more severe cases of TMJ disorders, the surgeon may have to perform an open joint surgery. This is another surgical method that requires more extensive cuts to directly access the jaw joint to treat issues like restricted movements. While open joint surgery is more incisive than TMJ arthroscopy, it is usually the best treatment for severe TMJ problems. This surgery can help patients with chronic pain and dysfunction get great relief and significantly enhance jaw movement and quality of life.
Post-TMJ Surgery Care and Recovery Tips
After undergoing TMJ surgery, proper care and recovery are crucial for achieving the best results. Here are some essential recovery tips to follow:
- Follow the post-operation regime prescribed by your surgeon, including the follow-up appointments.
- Go on a soft diet; don’t consume any hard food.
- Apply ice packs to manage pain and swelling.
- Take prescribed pain medicines to alleviate pain.
How to Find the Right TMJ Specialist in Your Area
Choosing the right TMJ specialist is crucial for receiving effective treatment. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a specialist:
- Education: The specialist should have academic qualifications like a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) and a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) in oral and maxillofacial surgery with training in TMJ.
- Specialization: Make certain the surgeon you choose specialises in treating TMJ disorders, including conservative and/or surgical therapy.
- Certification: Look for board certification in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery or any other related field. The specialist’s certification demonstrates their training in advanced techniques and their ability to provide the right TMJ disorder solutions.
- Clinical Experience: The more the experience of a specialist, the better they are able to manage complicated situations. They can execute highly successful surgeries.
- Technology and Equipment: A good TMJ specialist must use modern diagnostic tools and advanced surgical equipment to ensure that your treatment is effective and safe.
Along with the above factors, also consider these important questions to ask before choosing a TMJ specialist :
- What are the potential risks and benefits of TMJ surgery in my case?
- How will you diagnose the severity of my TMJ disorder?
- What are the post-surgery recovery processes and expected outcomes?
Conclusion
TMJ disorders can significantly affect the quality of your life as they hinder the ability to perform normal day-to-day activities. But when they are treated right and with the help of a TMJ specialist, effective relief is achievable.
If you are in search of a TMJ specialist in Hyderabad for permanent TMJ disorder solutions, then Gnathos Facial is the best option for you. We proudly hold NABH and NABL accreditations, ensuring you receive the highest quality care and safety. Equipped with modern technology and tools, our clinic delivers the most effective treatment.
At Gnathos Facial, we have experience in multiple successful TMJ surgeries and have a list of satisfied customers. Expert TMJ specialists will treat you like Dr. Suresh (MDS; MOMS RCPS (UK), Maxillofacial Surgeon) and Dr. Navatha (MDS, Maxillofacial Surgeon), who bring over 20 years of collective experience in treating complex TMJ disorders.
Do not let this pain in your jaw stop you — contact us and schedule an appointment with our specialists right now!
FAQs
Q1. Are there any TMJ disorder treatment options without surgery?
Yes, several patients are often treated by non-surgical TMJ disorder solutions like physical therapy, prescription of some medicines, and mouthguards.
Q2. How to find the best oral surgeons for TMJ issues in India?
When looking for the best oral surgeons for TMJ issues in India, consider factors like education, clinical experience, reviews, and advanced technology used by the TMJ specialist.
Q3. How TMJ surgery can improve jaw function and quality of life?
TMJ surgery addresses severe cases of TMJ disorders, improving jaw function and reducing pain, allowing patients to regain comfort and freedom from discomfort in their daily activities.
Q4. What are the different types of TMJ disorders and their treatments?
TMJ disorders are a group of conditions and diseases which affect the TMJ and may be due to arthritic changes, improper bite, or trauma. Treatment options range from non-surgical approaches like physical therapy to more invasive methods like Temporomandibular joint surgery.