TMJ disorder is fairly common and 4 out of 10 patients will experience it during their lifetime, which is why at OMFS in Melbourne we know how important it is to treat it quickly.

TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint, one of the most complex joints in the human body, which is where your lower jaw meets the base of your skull on either side of your head. This means that it plays a pivotal role in moving your jaw up and down, side to side and back to front and any other direction for that matter. Because of the fact that it is such a complex cog in the mechanics of your jaw, it can often be the cause of a host of problems in that area as well as your facial structure. From the 4 out of 10 sufferers of TMJ disorder, only one of those four are actually aware that their symptoms are related to TMJ Disorder. Our team of surgeons are passionate about ensuring that you receive exceptional standards of treatment and care that we hope will deliver optimal outcomes . They compassionate, friendly and combine a wealth of experience with a human touch to ensure that you feel valued and understood. Oral and Maxillofacial surgery is an incredibly specialised arm of dentistry and medicine and our surgeons are routinely recognised as some of the finest in their field. Associated with some of the most prestigious teaching hostels in Australia, our surgeons are supremely skilled at treating a wide range of oral concerns including the symptoms of TMJ disorder.

So What Causes TMJ Disorder?

The question over the direct causes of TMJ disorder can be a difficult one to answer but it is usually caused by the degeneration of the joint in your jaw or through some sort of trauma or injury.  This deterioration of the joint is often the result of degenerative disorders including arthritis and even emotional or physical stress. TMJ disorder also has its roots in the frequent clenching and grinding of your teeth as well as the stresses placed on your jaw through a misaligned bite. As we have discussed, pinpointing the direct cause of TMJ disorder can be difficult but our dedicated team of highly trained health professionals are hugely experienced in dealing with these conditions.

Non-Surgical TMJ Treatment

When treating the effects of TMJ disorder your surgeon will most likely recommend that your first treatment option will be non-surgical. During your initial consultation with us, we will carefully assess your medical history and identify your symptoms after which a clinical examination will take place so that your surgeon can inspect your TMJ and its connected area. We will evaluate the movement of your jaw and listen for any audible clicking or popping sounds. Additionally, blood tests and radio imaging are used in order to give us a better chance of precise diagnosis. We may also need to consult with other healthcare professionals so that we can create an effective treatment plan. Fundamentally, non-surgical TMJ treatment adopts an approach that is simple and conservative. This approach employs techniques that include the modification of your diet, helping you to avoid extreme jaw movements, stress management, behaviour modification therapy, physiotherapy, medication and prosthodontic treatment. Stress can also be reduced on the TMJ by using a bite splint while you’re asleep.

Surgical TMJ Treatment

Should the non-surgical TMJ disorder treatments not be successful and you are in chronic pain or dysfunction, then we will start to explore surgical options. No survey is to be taken lightly and we will discuss every aspect of your case before committing to an appropriate procedure. There are major surgical treatments for TMJ disorder, the first of which is arthrocentesis and lavage. This refers to the washing out of the area and the removal of any inflammatory products and improving the symptoms of pain and locking in your jaw. Arthrotomy is an an open surgery that allows to closely examine the tissue and decide whether or not to attach arch bars to your teeth so you can better control your bite and help with healing. In only the most ever sever cases, will we recommend the total replacement of your TMJ with an alloy prosthesis that improves function and subsequently your quality of life. To find our more about our TMJ disorder treatments, or to make an appointment, please click here.