Jaw discomfort, difficulty chewing, pressure in the ear, or that weird click noise when you open your mouth – if any of these seems accurate, you may be facing a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. So many patients often come to our office after seeing their dentist, and getting by using temporary measures for pain relief, but with TMJ disorders, it is incredibly important to understand that these are medical conditions, not dental conditions. Now with TMJ arthroscopy we are in a position to redefine treatment for TMJ disorders.
So what is TMJ arthroscopy, and why is this the current most effective and recent way to treat dysfunction of the jaw joint?
The benefit of TMJ arthroscopy is that it can directly fix the cause of the issue, rather than just masking the symptoms. Many patients seek help for tinnitus or migraines as they don’t completely understand that their jaw joint is either swollen or misaligned. Not even knowing that they could have small bubbles of air, joint bleeding, and/or internal flattening inside their joint. All things that you can’t see from the outside and therefore the value of arthroscopy is that it allows the specialist direct access inside of the joint for diagnosis and treatment.
Most importantly, this is not a dental fix. This is a medical treatment provided by maxillofacial doctors who are trained in the anatomy of TMJ and the principles of advanced arthroscopic procedures.
One of the most significant revolutionary developments during TMJ arthroscopy is its effectiveness in reducing TMJ-related tinnitus. Most people experience tinnitus from time to time, usually a constant ringing and/or buzzing noise in the ear(s). Most people will notice this ringing or buzzing after waking up and realize this ringing/buzzing usually happens from jaw clenching while they sleep. Since the ear shares nerve pathways and muscle tension with the jaw, any dysfunction of the TMJ And associated muscles can mechanically affect the ear. TMJ arthroscopy can relieve pressure, reduce inflammation, and balance out muscles and its associated nerve pathways. Thus relieving or at least minimizing symptoms of tinnitus.
If you are experiencing chronic jaw discomfort, can’t open or close your mouth, constantly have ear symptoms (such as ringing in your ear), you need to see a TMJ doctor—not a dentist. This is even more important if conservative measures have not worked or imaging shows inflammation inside the joint. TMJ arthroscopy is well-suited for persons wanting an accurate and less invasive way to get treated without surgery.
TMJ arthroscopy is changing our diagnosis and treatment of the jaw joint. It provides an accurate diagnosis, a targeted treatment and real, long-lasting relief, especially in the hands of seasoned physicians such as Prof. Dr. Luis Gavin, a forefather of TMJ care in the UAE. If you have struggled with unexplained jaw or ear symptoms, this may be your first step towards long-term recovery.
Book a consultation with Dr.Luis Gavin, and uncover the real solution behind your symptoms.