Some of us are familiar with jaw aches and the difficulty of performing daily tasks such as speaking and chewing. While some of these pains can be treated with medication, physical therapy and lifestyle changes, what happens when these solutions don’t work? This is where oral and maxillofacial surgery comes through. This surgery is used to treat Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders; a type of temporomandibular disorder or TMD that causes significant discomfort when performing day-to-day activities.
The exact cause of the disorder is often hard to determine, however, it can be due to a mix of factors such as teeth clenching, gum chewing and nail biting; stress; and painful conditions that occur along with TMJ disorder such as fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis or jaw injury. Most often, the pain that comes along with TMJ disorders can sometimes be treated with self-managed home care and physical therapy, but for more severe cases, surgery may be required.
If you suffer from the aforementioned symptoms and are unsure of when you should see an oral surgeon in Singapore, keep reading this article. We will help you better understand what TMJ disorders are, why they should be treated, and when you should consult an oral maxillofacial surgeon in Singapore.
Is Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery an Effective Treatment?
The longer you leave a TMJ disorder untreated, it’s more likely your symptoms will worsen. While TMJ disorders originate in the jaw, it causes symptoms that go far beyond the temporomandibular joints. A few of the consequences of leaving TMJ disorders untreated are:
- Chronic jaw pain and joint damage
Over time, the TMJ disorder symptoms will progress resulting in other symptoms like cracking, popping, and locking of the jaw. This can also go beyond your joints, with discomfort and inflammation throughout your face, neck, and shoulders.
Once the joints on your bone are damaged, you may need a surgical solution to alleviate the pain. A proactive approach to TMJ pain will minimise permanent joint damage or dislocation of the jaw.
- Recurring migraines or headaches
Headaches and migraines are actually common symptoms of TMJ disorders. These headaches can be either chronic or debilitating as they are triggered by the dysfunction in the joint. Taking painkillers will numb the pain momentarily, but, once they wear off, the pain will be back because the underlying cause has not been treated. This certainly can hamper your quality of life, making it difficult to focus on tasks at school, office, or even doing household chores.
- Sleep apnea
Studies suggest that there is a correlation between TMJ disorders and sleep apnea. Therefore, treating the symptoms of TMJ disorders may alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea.
The aforementioned conditions can really impact your day-to-day life and even lead to serious complications further down the line; that’s why we recommend you get TMJ disorders treated as soon as possible. Of course, to know that you’re suffering from the condition, you will need to understand the symptoms and types of TMJ disorders you could get; here are a few:
- Internal derangement of the joint
This is a structural symptom wherein a dislocated jaw, displaced TMJ disc or injury to the lower jaw can result in TMJ disorders.
- Degenerative joint disease
Caused by the overuse or ageing of the joint can cause degeneration and/or inflammation. This may be a result of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or a perforated TMJ disc.
- Myofascial pain disorder
Pain and discomfort in the muscles around the jaw joint can result in TMJ disorder. This pain may be the result of abnormal muscular function, daytime clenching or nocturnal grinding (bruxism).
To treat TMJ disorders, if it’s in an aggravated state, doctors might recommend getting oral and maxillofacial surgery, and there are a few compelling reasons why:
- It provides longer-term relief from discomfort and improves overall oral health.
- It can restore the alignment and function of the jaw, allowing for better chewing, speaking, and overall jaw movement.
- It improves your facial symmetry.
- It enables individuals to enjoy a pain-free and functional jaw for years to come.
The treatment plan to achieve these benefits will differ for each patient, therefore, you must consult an oral surgeon in Singapore to truly understand the treatment option best suited for you.
Where Can You Get Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?
If you’re looking for competent oral surgeons and customised treatment options for TMJ disorders, we at the Dental Essence Tanglin dental clinic offer all of this and more! Our dedicated staff will ensure you have a smooth procedure from beginning to end, treating you with the utmost care.
If you want to book an appointment for an oral maxillofacial surgeon in Singapore, contact us today!