TMJ dysfunctions are some conditions that impact the jaw joints, surrounding muscles, and ligaments. It can cause various issues, like jaw pain, headaches, and immobility. This condition is more common in women compared to men. Approximately 5% to 12% of the adult population has some form of TMJ disorder.
Patients who get Temporomandibular disorders must get it treated as soon as possible, or the end result could be worse. Day by day, the condition will deteriorate, and to avoid that, an arthroscopy is highly advisable. It is a minimally invasive surgery which can be quite helpful. This condition can happen due to a jaw injury, arthritis, teeth grinding, stress, or heredity. The best way is to understand the signs and consult a specialist immediately.
In this blog, we explain all the signs to provide you with better insights.
One of the primary symptoms of TMJ disorder is persistent and unrelenting jaw pain. The pain can be quite debilitating and doesn’t seem to subside even after consuming counter pain relievers. This pain often happens because of inflammation or damage to the TMJ. It could be a sign that your condition is worsening and may require surgical treatment. Consulting to a TMJ specialist like Dr Luis Gavin can help you get arthroscopy before the pain and condition of your jaw worsen.
TMJ disorders can often lead to frequent or severe headaches. If pain is particularly around the temples or behind the eyes, TMJ disorders could be to blame. This is because the muscles and nerves involved in jaw movement are closely connected to those responsible for head and neck pain. If your headaches are persistent and interfering with your daily life, it’s worth exploring whether TMJ could be the culprit.
Over time, TMJ disorder can lead to degenerative changes in the jaw joint. This can lead to cartilage degradation, inflammation, or even bone loss. If you’ve been experiencing TMJ symptoms for a prolonged period, it’s possible that your jaw joint is undergoing these changes. All of this necessitates surgical intervention such as arthroscopy.
Difficulty opening or closing your mouth fully, or feeling a popping or clicking sensation in your jaw, can be signs of TMJ disorder. Degenerative changes can cause significant pain and impair your jaw’s ability to function properly. If these symptoms are becoming more pronounced or limiting your ability to eat, speak, or yawn, it is time to consult with a healthcare professional like Dr Luis Gavin.
In some cases, the jaw can become dislocated. This means it slips out of its socket. If you’ve experienced repeated jaw dislocations, it’s a clear indication that the TMJ is not functioning properly. This restriction can severely impact your ability to eat, speak, and perform other basic activities. This condition can be painful and may require surgical treatment to stabilize the joint.
Ear ringing, or tinnitus, is another potential symptom of TMJ disorder. This is often due to the close proximity of the TMJ to the ear canal and the nerves that connect the two. The dysfunction in this joint can lead to a variety of auditory symptoms. If you’re experiencing persistent tinnitus and other TMJ symptoms, it’s important to seek medical evaluation.
The decision to undergo TMJ arthroscopy should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Factors to consider include the severity of your symptoms, the underlying cause of the TMJ disorder, and the parameters for a minimally invasive procedure, and its maintenance with a mandibular device.
Dr Luis Gavin is a highly qualified TMJ expert who holds a master’s and doctorate in Medicine and Surgery from the Autonoma and Complutense Universities of Madrid, Spain. He has conducted multiple procedures in TMJ, jaw-joint, oral surgery, tinnitus, and sleep apnea/snoring. Dr. Gavin has worked in prestigious facilities in Spain and the UAE, and he is well-known for his skill in TMJ arthroscopy. He is one of the few GCC doctors that can do TMJ arthroscopy.
While TMJ disorder can be a frustrating condition, it’s important to remember that there are effective treatment options available. If you’re experiencing persistent jaw pain, headaches, or other symptoms of TMJ, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can manage your condition and improve your well-being.
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