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 »
Orthognathic Surgery
Combined TMJ Surgery and Orthognathic Surgery
Combined TMJ Surgery and Orthognathic Surgery Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery and orthognathic surgery are both performed to correct problems related to the jaw and its function. Although it is possible to have TMJ surgery at the same time as a corrective jaw (orthognathic) surgery, several factors determine whether to combine these procedures. What is TMJ… Read more »
Corrective Jaw Surgery
Corrective Jaw Surgery Corrective jaw surgery – also called orthognathic surgery – is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) to correct a wide range of minor and major skeletal and dental irregularities, including the misalignment of jaws and teeth. Surgery can improve breathing, chewing and speaking. While the patient’s appearance may be dramatically… 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 »
Is Jaw Surgery Necessary?
Is Jaw Surgery Necessary? Those who may benefit from corrective jaw surgery – or orthognathic surgery – include those with an improper bite resulting from misaligned teeth and/or jaws. In some cases, a person’s upper and lower jaws may grow at different rates. Injuries and craniofacial anomalies seen at birth may also affect jaw alignment…. Read more »
Joint Stabilization and Diagnosis in Orthognathic Surgery
Joint Stabilization and Diagnosis in Orthognathic Surgery Corrective jaw surgery – also called orthognathic surgery – is a procedure performed to correct abnormalities or misalignments of the jaw. Stability of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) plays an important role in the success and long-term outcome of jaw surgery. Understanding the TMJ The temporomandibular joint connects the… 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 »
