Proper/Early Diagnosis and Intervention Key for Effective  Surgery Management of Orthopedic Problems of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

The National Institute of Health estimates that 10 million Americans can have what is commonly referred to as “TMJ syndrome.” The scientific literature estimates that at least 10% of these people can have significant orthopedic disease of the jaw joint — an impairment between the functional bone and cartilage parts of either or both jaw joints. In these cases patients can benefit significantly from surgical treatment.

However, TMJ syndrome describes a myriad of painful conditions about the jaw and facial region. Many patients unnecessarily go through a long series of ineffective and expensive treatments. Delaying a true surgical disease diagnosis can create chronic pain conditions and lead to irreversible arthritic conditions that must be managed when jaw joint surgery is finally explored.

Surgery Well-Accepted for Similar Conditions in Other Joints

We are all familiar with sports injuries and terms such as medial cruciate ligament tears of the knee, rotator cuff tears of the shoulder, and ruptured discs of the spine. All are routinely treated with surgery.

Less attention has been afforded to cartilage structure damage of the jaw joint — even though the jaw joint is also susceptible to various arthritic conditions and is very vulnerable to trauma. When a significant biomechanical problem exists, TMJ disorders may also be treated successfully with surgery.

Understanding TMJ Disorders Leads to Successful Treatment

This web site is designed to educate patients and providers about the often painful and sometimes impairing condition, jaw joint derangement, and the surgical treatment options available.

Even when reasonable non-surgical medical or dental treatment of TMJ disorders prove ineffective, patients can experience pain relief with jaw joint repair through surgical procedures.

If you suffer from facial pain due to TMJ disorders, you are invited to learn more about your TMJ condition and surgical treatment. Our practice performs a full range of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Dentists and other healthcare providers are invited to learn more about TMJ disorders that their patients may suffer from and TMJ treatment options to recommend that they investigate.

If you are looking for an oral surgeon in the Charlotte, NC area, contact our office to set up an appointment.