Before considering TMJ surgery, it’s important to learn about its symptoms. Some people experience a clicking sound or pain when opening and closing their mouths. However, these symptoms can get worse if left untreated. There are also non-surgical solutions for TMJ symptoms. Non-surgical methods may include resting your jaw and making some lifestyle changes. Visiting a well-experienced TMJ specialist in Illinois is essential if you want to treat your TMJ disorder.

Many procedures are available to address TMJ problems, including therapeutic arthroscopy, arthrocentesis, arthroplasty, and joint reconstruction with autogenous and alloplastic materials. Surgical procedures are generally not necessary. However, for patients with non-repetitive and intermittent symptoms, some non-surgical therapies, like non-invasive physical therapy, can help relieve many of the symptoms of TMJ.

Below discussed are the significance of TMJ Surgery and why it’s essential to get the TMJ pain treatment in Illinois before your surgery

Arthroscopic Surgery

To avoid complications, it is crucial to receive proper TMJ treatment before undergoing arthroscopic surgery. Your surgeon will use small incisions around your jaw joint and a camera to examine the condition of your jaw joint. Typically, this surgery takes 30 minutes or less. Once your jaw joint has been examined, you may be given pain medications and follow a soft-food diet for a couple of days.

If your condition is severe, the joint may require more extensive surgery. Arthroscopic surgery is often the best option for severe joint degeneration due to TMJ. In this case, an external incision is made to expose the joint. Your surgeon may re-contour the joint’s bone or replace the disc with artificial ones. However, getting the best TMJ disorder treatment in Naperville is vital before undergoing TMJ surgery.

Risks of Surgery

You can ensure minimal complications during the surgery by getting it done by a well-experienced Naperville TMJ specialist. The risks are not as severe as those of other surgical procedures. Some of them are associated with the nerves and blood vessels in the surrounding area. Fortunately, most complications are temporary and are relatively rare. To avoid the risk of TMJ surgery, it’s advisable to visit a reliable and well-versed TMJ care in Illinois.

If you or someone you know is suffering from TMJ disorders, it’s highly advisable to go for TMJ care in Illinois. Only when non-surgical methods fail to treat you, may you go for TMJ surgery. Post-surgery, your surgeon will likely give you pain medication. Your jaw will be numb for a few days, so don’t try to rush. Also, you shouldn’t eat hard, solid foods until your healthcare team approves them. Your surgeon will also discuss how long your recovery time will be so you can plan accordingly.

Alternatives to Surgery

Various conservative TMJ disorder treatments in Naperville are available to treat TMJ disorder, from behavioral changes to medical therapy. These treatments may include anti-inflammatory injections, reversible intraoral dental splints, and trigger-point injections. Conversely, surgery is a more invasive procedure and is usually recommended only when conservative treatment has failed. Fortunately, there are many alternatives to surgery, including non-surgical treatment approaches such as physical therapy and orthodontics.

Other TMJ treatments include oral splints, muscle relaxants, and steroid injections. If these approaches are ineffective, your TMJ expert may recommend TMJ surgery. In addition, non-surgical therapies can be an excellent alternative to non-surgical TMJ treatments. Most physicians agree that conservative non-surgical therapies are best, and surgery should only be used as a last resort. These treatments are effective in many cases but are not a cure. If these treatments are not helping you, contact a Naperville TMJ specialist immediately.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Conservative therapy is the primary approach for treating temporomandibular joint disorders, including non-surgical methods such as medical therapy, behavioral changes, anti-inflammatory injections, and reversible intraoral dental splints. Surgery is usually reserved for the most complex cases or those that have not responded to other treatment options. In some cases, sufferers may have internal joint derangement, trauma, or rheumatic diseases. In other cases, TMD symptoms result from pathology or tumors. A proper workup is essential for an accurate diagnosis.

While TMJ surgery may be necessary, many people don’t need it. In some cases, the symptoms are mild and go away independently with reliable TMJ pain treatment in Illinois. Other times, they only affect eating or drinking. Even if the pain persists, they’re caused by repetitive motions or overuse. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes may be all that is necessary.

Physical Therapy Before TMJ Surgery

Before undergoing surgery to treat TMJ, consider non-surgical TMJ disorder treatment in Naperville as these approaches may be more cost-effective than surgery and can improve your physical comfort and jaw/muscle function. Postural and active, and passive jaw exercises can improve jaw function. Neck exercises may also have positive effects on patients with Myofascial pain. Consult a Naperville TMJ specialist for more details on TMJ surgery.

In the first phase of TMJ pain treatment in Illinois, physical therapy can be used to improve jaw flexibility. This involves breaking up adhesions in the jaw and learning to open it fully again. Physical therapists also teach exercises to strengthen muscles in the jaw, including the jaw joint, to prevent pain and restore motion. A physical therapist may also use ultrasound or electrical stimulation to ease pain and promote healing. In many cases, physical therapy is enough to prevent surgery.

Key Takeaways

Patients suffering from TMJ dysfunction may notice jaw pain, a limited range of motion, or a clicking sound when opening and closing the mouth. They may experience difficulty swallowing or speaking. If these symptoms persist, a well-versed Naperville TMJ specialist may recommend other treatment options, such as reducing stress, gentle jaw stretching exercises, and ice or moist heat. Over-the-counter pain medications may be prescribed.

There are many things that you can do at home to treat your TMJ disorder without having to resort to surgery. First of all, you should rest your jaw as much as possible. This includes eating soft foods and avoiding chewing difficult things. Heat or ice applied to the joint may also help, and you should also consider yoga to relieve tension in your jaw. Reach out to a reliable TMJ care in Illinois for more homemade remedies. However, surgery should be used only if these measures have failed to provide adequate relief.