Collaborative Care for TMJ Disorders

Collaborative Care for TMJ Disorders Teams of different medical professionals often work together to ensure comprehensive treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs). This collaborative approach may include a variety of healthcare providers, including oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs), physical therapists and general dentists. What is an OMS’s Role in Managing TMD? OMS’s specialize in diagnosing… Read more »

Diagnosis and Treatment of Trigeminal Nerve Pain

Diagnosis and Treatment of Trigeminal Nerve Pain What is Trigeminal Nerve Pain? The trigeminal nerve is one of the 12 cranial nerves within the central nervous system responsible for sensation, including pain and touch in the face and mouth. Abnormal sensations of pain originating from the trigeminal nerve may be trigeminal neuralgia, which can have… Read more »

How an OMS Can Help with TMJ Disorders

How an OMS Can Help with TMJ Disorders The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a small joint located in front of the ear where the skull and lower jaw meet. It permits the lower jaw (mandible) to move and function. TMJ disorders are not uncommon and have a variety of symptoms. Patients may complain of earaches,… Read more »

Joint Replacement Options for TMJ

Joint Replacement Options for TMJ Joint replacement surgery may be considered for patients with severe temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders after conservative treatments, such as non-surgical and minimally invasive approaches, have been deemed inadequate. Joint replacement options – total replacement and joint reconstruction – offer solutions to restore function and reduce pain in the TMJ. An… Read more »

Minimally Invasive Arthroscopic Surgery for TMJ Disorders

Minimally Invasive Arthroscopic Surgery for TMJ Disorders Arthroscopic surgery is a treatment option for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder that can be used if symptoms do not improve with non-surgical treatment. In this minimally invasive surgery, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) inserts a small video-camera called an arthroscope into the TMJ space in order to… Read more »

Non-invasive Approaches for TMJ Disorders

Non-invasive Approaches for TMJ Disorders If you are experiencing pain in the jaws or face, limited ability to open your mouth, earaches and/or headaches, you may be suffering from a TMJ disorder. The first line of treatment for TMDs is typically non-invasive approaches such as physical therapy exercises and mouth guards (splints). An oral and… Read more »

Pain Management Options for TMJ Disorders

Pain Management Options for TMJ Disorders If you have pain in your jaw, head, face or neck due to a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) who specializes in treating TMD can help ease discomfort. There are several types of TMDs that can each manifest in different ways and for various… Read more »

TMJ and Facial Pain

TMJ and Facial Pain The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a small joint located in front of the ear where the skull and lower jaw meet. The joint permits the lower jaw to move and function.  The TMJ is the most constantly used joint in the body. TMJ disorders are not uncommon. Symptoms are usually reported… Read more »

Trigeminal Nerve Pain

What is the Trigeminal Nerve? Located in the head, the trigeminal nerve is one of the 12 cranial nerves – all with different and important roles in vision, hearing and controlling the function of facial muscles. The trigeminal nerve provides feeling to most of the face and mouth. Some problems with the nerve, such as… Read more »

Trigeminal Nerve Pain: How OMSs Help Reduce Discomfort

Trigeminal Nerve Pain: How OMSs Help Reduce Discomfort What is Trigeminal Nerve Pain? The trigeminal nerve provides feeling to the face and mouth. Severe and debilitating pain can occur when this nerve is affected. Examples of causes can include trauma, tumors, infections or injuries during surgical procedures. Trigeminal nerve pain usually affects one side of… Read more »