Jaw pain can be a debilitating condition that affects various aspects of a person's life. From difficulty eating and speaking to chronic headaches and sleep disturbances, jaw pain can significantly impact daily activities. When dealing with persistent jaw pain, it is important to seek treatment from an oral surgeon. These oral health specialists can effectively diagnose and treat the underlying causes of jaw pain.
Jaw pain is a common issue that people across the United States struggle with on a regular basis. Symptoms typically include an ache, stiffness, or pain in one's jawbone or the area around the ears. This discomfort can vary from mild to severe and affect the quality of a person's life.
Jaw pain can occur due to several reasons. These reasons may include:
Some jaw pain goes away on its own. However, patients experiencing jaw pain for longer than a week should seek the services of an oral surgeon for effective management and long-term relief from jaw pain.
Oral surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating jaw pain, providing targeted treatment methods and procedures to alleviate pain in and around the jawbone. They can accurately diagnose the underlying cause of the pain and offer tailored treatment plans, ranging from non-surgical treatment to surgical procedures when necessary. The treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the jaw pain.
An oral surgeon may prescribe medications to help manage jaw pain. This type of treatment can include over-the-counter pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatory drugs. These medications can provide temporary relief and reduce inflammation in the jaw joint.
Custom-fitted oral appliances, such as splints or mouthguards, can address jaw pain caused by bruxism or temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). These appliances help to stabilize the jaw, protect the patient from grinding their teeth, and provide cushioning to reduce pressure on the jaw joint. They also promote proper alignment to improve the patient's jaw function.
An oral surgeon may recommend certain lifestyle changes to manage jaw pain. The treatment can include changes in diet, stress reduction techniques, and avoiding activities that exacerbate the symptoms, such as chewing gum and biting hard objects. These lifestyle modifications, along with other treatment approaches, can make a significant difference in reducing jaw pain and improving the patient's overall well-being.
Arthrocentesis, or joint aspiration, is a minimally invasive procedure that aims to return the disc of cartilage to its natural place in the joint. An oral surgeon inserts two small needles into the jaw joint. One of the needles flushes the patient's jaw joint with sterile fluids to remove debris or inflammatory byproducts. The other needle drains the fluid and debris out of the joint. Arthrocentesis can help improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and promote healing in temporomandibular joint disorders.
In more complex cases of TMJ disorders, oral surgeons may perform arthroscopy. This minimally-invasive surgical procedure involves inserting a small camera through an incision into the jawbone to visualize and treat the underlying issues. By using small tools, the oral surgeon can repair damaged tissues, remove scar tissue, or realign joint structures.
Joint replacement surgery involves replacing the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). TMJ joint replacement surgery is performed in severe cases of TMJ disorders or joint degeneration, aiming to restore function and alleviate chronic pain. The procedure includes removing damaged joint components, such as the condyle and disc. The oral surgeon then replaces them with prosthetic implants to replicate the natural jaw joint movement and function.
Corrective jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, is a surgical procedure used to treat jaw pain caused by misalignment or malocclusion. It involves repositioning the jawbones to improve alignment, correct bite issues, and alleviate strain on the jaw joint. Corrective jaw surgery can address underlying skeletal or dental abnormalities, providing long-term relief from jaw pain and improving the patient's oral health. This procedure restores jaw function, enhances facial aesthetics, and alleviates pain and discomfort while restoring proper jaw function.
Sometimes, jaw pain is temporary and resolves on its own. But if your jaw pain has stuck around and beginning to affect your quality of life, contact our office to schedule an appointment. Our team can assess your symptoms and evaluate your mouth to accurately diagnose your condition and design a treatment tailored to your needs and preferences. No one deserves to live in constant pain. Make an appointment today.
Request an appointment here: https://arroyogrande.centralcoastoms.com or call Wilson Oral Surgery at (805) 476-2567 for an appointment in our Arroyo Grande office.
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