3 Signs It's Time for TMD Surgery

What Is TMD?

Have you ever felt pain in your jaw joint? What about a popping sound? This is your TMJ, the area where your jaw connects to your skull. 

Without this joint working properly, your life can be drastically lower in quality. Speaking, eating, and drinking can all be affected by untreated TMD. 

TMD is not necessarily an oral disorder. It's technically more of a joint problem. TMD is both a muscular and skeletal issue, requiring thorough investigation to diagnose. 

Potentially more than 33 percent of the population suffer from TMD. It's important to know whether you're part of the seven percent with symptoms so severe you need surgery.

Major Symptoms Of TMD 

Also, one of the five vital signs, pain is the most common symptom of TMD. The most common location for TMD pain is in the muscles within your face. 

TMD pain can radiate from almost any area of your face and skull. Some patients describe ocular migraines and pain from behind their eyes.

Other patients have described neck, shoulder, and back pain stemming from their TMD. Knowing the difference in pain from other joints and TMD means comparing all symptoms together.

For example, another symptom of TMD is an inability to move the area where your jaw joins your skull. You might experience clicking, popping, ringing sounds, catching, or locking within the jaw. TMD is certainly an uncomfortable disorder.

If you're suffering from any of the above symptoms, earaches, dizziness, and sensitivity, it's likely time to visit your dentist. They'll be able to give you a formal diagnosis and provide you with options to remedy your TMD. Your smile might even be causing your TMD!

Three Signs It's Time For TMD Surgery

Overcoming TMD with surgery is a great option for a speedy recovery. TMD can be caused by injuries to your jaw or nearby areas. Correcting the harmed areas will likely take surgery.

You might grind your teeth at night. Nightguards are beneficial, but this may not solve the problem.

Others develop TMD because of a misaligned jaw. In these situations, TMD might be best helped with aligners. 

1. Intense Pain And Sensitivity Every Time You Open Or Close Your Mouth

Jaw surgery is something anyone with intense pain should consider. Get a full assessment from your dentist to ensure that surgery is your best option for pain recovery.

Chronic pain is typically when dentists consider surgery for TMD. Pain can radiate throughout your upper body. Untreated TMD can limit your ability to live a full life. 

In these situations, surgery might sound scary, but living in pain is worse. Many patients complain of consistent tension headaches, dull consistent aching, and more. 

All pain-related symptoms can combine in TMD to make life miserable. Don't let yourself live in pain when a simple surgery could save your life.

2. Inability To Open And Close Mouth Properly

The knock-on impact of not being able to open and close your mouth properly is significant. You won't be able to eat properly. You might not even be able to consume enough liquids. 

Your speech can be further changed. You don't have to live with these ongoing symptoms. TMD surgery cost will never be more than the cost of losing the ability to eat and speak.

3. Structural Problems With Your Jaw

Structural problems with your jaw might make you a good candidate for treating TMD with surgery. People who have suffered a jaw injury often need TMD surgery to correct physical problems.

If your TMD is caused by a structural problem, the chances of it ever going away are slim. Untreated structural problems with your jaw are more likely to get worse. In these cases, you should seriously consider surgery.

What Is TMD Surgery?

There are a variety of surgeries available to treat TMD. Surgery recovery time depends on the cause of your TMD, and the type of surgery recommended. 

The first place you should start with TMD surgical options is by asking your dentist for a thorough examination. If you've no major structural issues, your TMD might be saved with a minor procedure. 

Minor procedures often need a localized anesthetic. Broader, more involved surgeries for TMD need a general anesthetic. 

For example, open-joint surgery is the most involved TMD treatment. Open-joint surgery requires your dentist to address major issues with your jaw. 

Unlike smaller surgeries, open-joint surgery is more like traditional surgery. If your TMD is caused by tumors, bone wear-and-tear, or other severe issues, open-joint surgery is your best option. 

When compared to smaller surgeries, open-joint has a slightly longer recovery time. But, it could make your life so much easier in the long term. 

Smaller surgeries could have you feeling better in a matter of hours or days. You'll need a detailed investigation by your dentist to know which surgery option is best for you.

Need To Know More?

The type of TMD surgery you might need is completely dependent on the severity of the issue. If you're in pain, why not speak to a dentist today? 

Get in touch with our team to see how we can help you! Let us know exactly what type of symptoms you're experiencing.

The first place to start with curing your TMD is with a formal diagnosis. We look forward to starting your journey to recovery. Please do let us know if you have any questions! We're here for you.