Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon located in Bakersfield, CA
TMJ
Struggling with chronic jaw pain that affects your ability to speak or eat? Our oral surgeons in Bakersfield specializes in oral and maxillofacial surgery and offers a range of treatment options, from surgery to nightguards and Botox® therapy, to improve jaw function and relieve pain. To learn more about how Dr. Harouni can help with TMJ-related disorders, schedule a consultation online or by phone.
What is TMJ?
The TMJ is the joint on each side of your head that connects your jaw to your skull. Disorders of the TMJ can impact jaw movement and lead to persistent pain, which may result in difficulty with chewing or speaking.
What causes TMJ disorders?
There are several factors that can lead to TMJ-related dysfunction and pain. One possible cause is bruxism, a condition characterized by frequent clenching or grinding of the teeth. Other potential contributors to TMJ disorders include:
Genetics
Arthritis
Jaw injury
Facial Trauma
Our oral surgeons can determine the root cause of your jaw pain after a thorough dental evaluation and an assessment of X-rays of your jaw.
What are the symptoms of a TMJ disorder?
If you have a TMJ-related disorder, you may have ongoing tenderness or pain in one or both of your jaw joints. Additional symptoms of a TMJ disorder may include:
Difficulty chewing
Locking of your jaw joint
Aches or pain around your ears
Noise and popping sounds during opening and closing your mouth
It’s also typical to hear a clicking sound or feel a grating sensation every time you move your jaw.
What treatment options are available for TMJ?
Depending on the severity of your TMJ symptoms and the nature of your jaw issue, we may initially suggest non-surgical treatments to alleviate pain. These treatments may involve using over-the-counter or prescription medications to reduce inflammation and pain in your jaw.
We might also recommend oral appliances, like a mouthguard, to protect your teeth and jaws from damage caused by clenching and grinding. In certain cases, injection therapy with corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation in the jaw joint. Botox injections may also be used to temporarily paralyze the jaw muscles and alleviate painful chewing or speaking.
If non-surgical treatments do not effectively relieve pain or improve jaw function, Dr. Sam Harouni may suggest minimally invasive surgery to correct any abnormalities in the jaw joint.
Does jaw surgery offer long-term relief of TMJ?
Corrective jaw surgery can help alleviate pain and dysfunction caused by a TMJ disorder. Our oral surgeons can also offer guidance on preventing the return of TMJ-related symptoms post-surgery, such as recommending cutting food into smaller pieces and avoiding sticky or chewy foods. Additionally, we may provide stretching exercises to strengthen jaw muscles at home. To address chronic jaw pain from a TMJ disorder, you can schedule a consultation online or by calling the Bakersfield office.
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