The TMJ is a hinge-like joint located just in front of your ears, where the lower jaw (mandible) meets the temporal bone of your skull. This joint allows for the essential movement of the jaw, enabling functions like speaking, chewing, and even yawning. The TMJ is surrounded by muscles and ligaments that help control its movements.

A TMJ disorder occurs when something disrupts the normal functioning of the joint or its surrounding muscles. This can be due to various factors, including injury, stress, arthritis, or teeth and jaw misalignment. When this happens, it can lead to painful and disruptive symptoms.

At Midwest Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we specialize in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders. Our goal is to help patients restore normal jaw function, alleviate pain, and improve their quality of life. In this post, we’ll explore TMJ disorders, how they affect the body, and the medical and surgical interventions available for treatment.

Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

TMJ disorders can vary significantly in terms of severity and symptoms. Some common signs include:

• Jaw pain: This may be localized around the jaw, temples, or even the neck.
• Clicking or popping sounds: These noises often occur when you open or close your mouth, indicating a problem with the joint.
• Facial pain: Discomfort may radiate through the face, often around the cheeks, temples, or ears.
• Headaches: Many people with TMJ disorders experience frequent headaches, often resembling tension-type or migraine headaches.
• Limited jaw movement: Another common symptom is difficulty opening the mouth thoroughly or the sensation of jaw locking.
• Teeth grinding or clenching: Many individuals with TMJ issues also experience bruxism (grinding of the teeth), which can worsen symptoms.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent the problem from worsening.

Causes of TMJ Disorders

The exact cause of TMD can often be difficult to pinpoint, as multiple factors may be at play. However, some common contributors to TMJ disorders include:

• Injury or trauma: A blow to the jaw, head, or neck area (such as in a car accident or sports injury) can damage the TMJ, leading to pain and dysfunction.
• Arthritis: Conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the TMJ, leading to joint inflammation and degeneration.
• Jaw misalignment: If the teeth or jaw are out of alignment, it can put undue stress on the TMJ and cause pain.
• Teeth grinding and jaw clenching: Stress and anxiety can lead to habits like grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw, which can exacerbate TMJ disorders.
• Hormonal changes: Women are more likely to experience TMD, and hormonal fluctuations (such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause) may play a role in the development of these disorders.

How We Treat TMJ Disorders

At Midwest Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we offer a range of treatment options for TMJ disorders, depending on the severity and cause of the condition. We aim to alleviate pain, restore jaw function, and improve your overall quality of life.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

For many people with TMJ disorders, non-surgical treatments can be highly effective. These may include:

• Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the TMJ, improve joint function, and reduce pain.
• Heat/Cold Therapy: Applying heat or ice to the affected area can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or muscle relaxants can help reduce pain and muscle tension.
• Bite Splints or Mouthguards: For individuals who grind their teeth or clench their jaws, custom-made mouthguards or bite splints can help protect the teeth and alleviate strain on the TMJ.
• Stress Management: Techniques such as relaxation exercises, meditation, or counseling can help reduce stress and prevent teeth grinding.

Surgical Interventions

Surgical intervention may be necessary when conservative treatments don’t provide sufficient relief. There are a few surgical options available, including:

• Arthrocentesis: This minimally invasive procedure involves flushing the joint with fluids to remove debris, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility.
• Arthroscopy: Using a small camera and specialized tools, our surgeons can inspect and repair the joint, removing damaged tissue or repairing misalignments.
• TMJ Replacement: In severe cases where the joint has deteriorated beyond repair, your doctor may recommend a TMJ replacement. This involves replacing the damaged joint with an artificial implant.
• Jaw Realignment Surgery: For patients with significant jaw misalignment, corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) may be recommended to realign the jaw and alleviate the pressure on the TMJ.

Why Choose Midwest Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?

At Midwest Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, our skilled surgeons have extensive experience diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders. We understand that TMJ issues can be complex and frustrating, so we take a comprehensive approach to your care. Whether your condition requires conservative treatments or advanced surgical intervention, we are committed to helping you find lasting relief and restore normal jaw function.

If you’re experiencing TMJ disorder symptoms, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our experts. We’ll work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and helps you regain your quality of life.

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Severe injuries to the face can cause a great deal of pain, both physically and emotionally—and require quick emergency care from an oral and maxillofacial specialist. For example, according to the American Association of Endodontists, you should visit a specialist within 30 minutes of knocking out a tooth.

Learn what types of injuries can cause facial trauma, what symptoms to watch out for and what to do to receive the best care possible, so you can act quickly when an accident happens.

Emergency Facial Trauma Explained

Facial trauma involves damage to the bones or soft tissue in your face, including your:

• Cheeks
• Eye sockets
• Forehead
• Jaw (upper and lower)
• Nose

Oral and maxillofacial specialists are specially qualified to treat facial trauma in emergency settings. Common causes for facial trauma include:

• Animal bites
• Assaults
• Burns
• Car accidents
• Falls
• Interpersonal violence
• Sports injuries
• Workplace injuries

Facial Trauma Symptoms

Facial trauma symptoms can vary greatly depending on the cause of injury and where on the face the injury occurs. The following facial trauma symptoms are signs you need to seek emergency care:

• Breathing problems due to swelling or bleeding
• Broken, deformed or uneven facial bones
• Difficulty speaking or chewing
• Drooling
• Facial numbness
• Missing teeth
• Pain
• Sunken or bulging eyeballs
• Vision problems due to swelling or bruising

Types of Facial Trauma

An oral and maxillofacial specialist is highly skilled and trained to treat several types of facial trauma, including:

• Cuts or tears in the skin. Also called facial lacerations, this type of damage to the face’s soft tissue requires suturing (stitches) to close the skin. An oral and maxillofacial specialist will take care to inspect and treat associated nerves and glands and be mindful of long-term cosmetic results. 
• Fractured bones and jaw. You can fracture bones in your cheek, nose, eye socket and upper and lower jaw. Unlike other bones, fractured facial bones can’t be put in a splint or a cast. An oral and maxillofacial specialist is experienced in different stabilization methods to maintain your appearance.
• Injuries to the inside of the mouth. Also called intraoral lacerations, this type of injury can affect the lips, tongue, gums, throat and more. A specialist can provide careful treatment to preserve your mouth’s functioning and avoid permanent damage. 
• Knocked-out (avulsed) tooth. An oral surgeon is specially trained in replanting teeth as quickly as possible. 

How to Find an Emergency Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Near Me 

If you’re in an accident or are severely injured, you need to go to the emergency room. Most hospitals have oral and maxillofacial specialists on staff or on call who can provide emergency care. Once you’re stabilized, ask if an oral and maxillofacial specialist is on site to provide treatment. If there isn’t a specialist on site, the hospital staff may refer you to one.

What to Do Before You Get to the Emergency Room

If you or someone you’re with experiences facial trauma, there are some things you can do to help:

• Control any bleeding by applying direct pressure to the cut with a clean cloth.
• Limit movement and avoid pressure unless you’re trying to control bleeding.
• Save your tooth by putting it in salt water or milk as soon as possible. 

Find Expert Care

If you or someone you love experiences facial trauma, Midwest Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is here to help. Our skilled and caring oral surgeons are ready to provide round-the-clock care in-office or in an emergency room setting. Learn more.

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No one is excited to have their wisdom teeth removed. After all, you’ve likely heard stories of puffy cheeks and painful recoveries. Just remember, though, that everyone’s recovery is different—and that there are some tried-and-true things you can do to make healing faster and easier.

Plan Ahead

Start by clearing your calendar for several days after your procedure. Your oral surgeon will recommend how long you should stay home from work or school, and how long you should avoid strenuous activity. 

Then, since you’ll need a family member or friend to drive you home, arrange for someone to accompany you as soon as your procedure as scheduled.

You also may want to have some supplies at home to make your recovery easier, including:

• Alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash (salt water also works)
• Gauze (although you likely will be sent home with some)
• Over-the-counter pain medicine
• Soft foods  

Try to create an environment that will be as stress-free as possible when you return home. You will need to rest and probably won’t feel up to household chores or errands.

Leave the Gauze In

Your surgeon will pack the area around the removal site with gauze before you leave. And it’s important to leave it in until the bleeding slows down. However, if the gauze becomes overly saturated, it’s OK to replace it with clean gauze. You also may find it helpful to bite down on the gauze gently. 

Get Plenty of Rest

Rest always plays a key role in healing. Take this opportunity to read a book that’s been on your wish list for a while, binge-watch a new TV series or nap like a champ. Just remember to elevate your head when before dozing off.

Eat Soft Foods

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons provides many ideas on what to eat as you recover. During the first few days, it’s best to only eat very soft foods, like apple sauce, yogurt and ice cream. After 24 hours, you can move to semi-solid foods like scrambled eggs, oatmeal and mashed potatoes.

Apply Ice

Wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it to your cheek and jaw. This will not only feel good; it will also help reduce swelling.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Your take-home instructions will include information on when you can brush and floss again regularly.

After 24 hours, you’ll likely be instructed to gently rinse (this is not the time to swish or gargle) your mouth with an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash or salt water. Move your entire head side to side, and then don’t spit. Instead, open your mouth over the sink and let the liquid fall out.

When it’s OK to brush and floss again, do so gently, avoiding the area where your wisdom teeth were removed.

Consider OTC Pain Medication

Your oral surgeon will give you instructions on how to manage your pain at home. If you’re in pain and have been instructed to take OTC (over the counter) pain medication, don’t hesitate to take it. Sometimes, just one dose can make you feel better or help you fall asleep.

Know What Not to Do

There are some things you should avoid after wisdom teeth removal, including:

• Chewing food within the first 24 hours
• Drinking caffeine and alcohol, or fizzy, acidic or hot drinks
• Drinking through a straw
• Rinsing your mouth within the first 24 hours
• Smoking
• Strenuous exercise

Here When You Need Us

At Midwest Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, our friendly and knowledgeable staff is ready to help. From answering your questions and helping you determine if removal is right for you to scheduling your procedure and making sure you’re well on your way to recovery, we’ll be with you every step of the way.

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