Lockjaw, medically termed trismus, is when a patient has difficulty, or pain, to open their mouth. This limitation can impede daily activities, not just while eating and speaking, but can greatly affect the patient’s oral hygiene. One of the biggest causes of lockjaw are TMJ disorders, affecting the complicated joint that connects a patient’s jawbone to their skull.
TMJ disorders are generally mechanical, or muscular, complaints of the jaw joint and surrounding structures. This is why TMJ doctors and surgeons have received specialized training to evaluate the complexities of each patient’s needs. They develop a comprehensive treatment plan for the patient; including TMJ arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical technique to restore normal jaw function.
The TMJ is responsible for smooth movement of your jaw up or down, side to side, and forward or backward. However, if the TMJ becomes inflamed, misaligned, or overused: it can cause muscle stiffness and joint restriction, which can lead to lockjaw.
This is where the upper and lower jaws don’t align properly. The gum and teeth are aligned (midlines in the center of each), so when the upper and lower jaws are misaligned, stress builds in the joints of the TMJ, which starts to restrict motion, limited movement.
Teeth grinding contiguous clenching creates a multiplane strain form. It’s not a strain just on your teeth when you grind or clench. Your surrounding muscles around your jaw are placed in an exaggerated use state. As a result, a clenching or grinding strain causes tightness and discomfort.
Joint inflammation occurring inside the TMJ can create joint irritation, restricted motion, or a lock out area of the joint itself.
TMJ lockjaw is a frustrating condition, although with a proper approach, it is quite manageable. Dr. Luis uses clinical judgement and imaging to identify jerk and moans of exactly what the problem is.
Dr. Luis’s starting point is:
Sometimes, conservative treatment options do not give the patient lasting relief, and TMJ arthroscopy is recommended. TMJ arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that helps to treat internal problems affecting the TMJ, such as inflammation, adhesions, or damage to the cartilage lining (meniscus).
TMJ Arthroscopy allows the TMJ Surgeon to directly treat the problem at hand with less chance for added complications.
Postoperative care following TMJ arthroscopy should include guided physiotherapy. It will facilitate jaw function and reduce the risk of recurrence. A Jaw Bimaxillary Advancement System would provide structural support and also occlusal alignment.
If you are experiencing any persistent tightness in your jaw, pain with mouth opening, or clicking/popping in the joint, you should seek help. These symptoms may indicate there is TMJ dysfunction requiring treatment by a specialist. Diagnosing and treating the condition early can help avoid a more serious problem.
You do not have to live with lockjaw associated with TMJ disorders. Dr. Luis can provide specialized treatment based on the nature of TMJ dysfunction. He will use TMJ arthroscopy when necessary to help you restore comfortable function without unnecessary or invasive procedures.
Do not allow jaw stiffness to limit your quality of life. With expert evaluation and the correct procedure, you can regain complete control of your jaw. Schedule a consultation now with TMJ doctor Dr. Luis to discuss treatment options.