The Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) connects the lower jaw to the skull. It acts as a sliding hinge during the opening and closing of the mouth.
Pain and difficulty chewing make a patient look for help.
When pain is experienced in the TMJ area, it’s possible that it’ll radiate to the ears, cheeks or give headaches. A patient may feel jaw fatigue, stiffness, and clicking sounds. In some cases, the mouth cannot be opened sufficiently or can become locked at some range of motion.
In general, there must be structural damage to the joint caused by:
These can be treated surgically.
The lack of help from anti-inflammatory medications, orthodontic appliances (splints) and physiotherapy for structural disorders of TMJs would indicate the need for surgical treatment.
The main goals are to get rid of pain and to improve the function of the joint.
MSP covers the surgical treatment of TMJ disorders.
Please bring a referral letter from your Family Doctor.
You will have a thorough physical examination of your head, neck and the TMJs. Special x-ray, CT Scan and MRI scan will be done to help with a decision about the need for any surgery.
All surgical and non-surgical results are subject to the individualities of the patient and the normal variability of clinical procedure results. For more information, review our full disclaimer