What Is Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder and Why Does It Rarely Require Surgery?
TMJ disorder occurs when the jaw muscles and joint do not function in harmony. This can be caused by bruxism (clenching or grinding the teeth), stress, or poor alignment. Symptoms commonly include:
-
Pain when chewing or speaking
-
Clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth
-
Jaw locking
-
Recurring headaches
Why Is Avoiding Surgery the Best Option?
TMJ surgery is an invasive procedure that should only be reserved for very specific cases involving severe structural damage. In the vast majority of cases, the problem is muscular or inflammatory in origin, making a conservative, minimally invasive approach far more effective, safer, and associated with a faster recovery.
Our Approach: Conservative Treatment in Two Sessions, as oral and maxillofacial surgery specialists, our priority is to restore your quality of life without surgery. Our treatment protocol is designed to directly reduce inflammation and relax the jaw muscles:
-
Evaluation and Occlusal Splint (Night Guard): The first step is the use of a custom-made splint or night guard. This device not only protects your teeth from wear caused by bruxism, but also helps position the joint correctly, reducing strain on the jaw muscles.
-
Injection Therapy (Two Key Sessions): For cases involving significant pain, we use a specialized treatment consisting of two sessions. During these visits, medications are delivered directly to the affected area through small injections. This procedure helps to:
-
Reduce inflammation in the joint immediately.
-
Reduce sharp pain.
-
Improve the range of mouth opening within the first few days.
-
This two-session treatment is highly effective because it allows the medication to act exactly where the body needs it most, breaking the cycle of pain and tension without the need for general anesthesia or long postoperative recovery periods.
Is it time to see a maxillofacial surgery specialist?
If you experience constant discomfort, notice noises or clicking in your jaw, or wake up with facial pain, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Dr. Rodríguez Cisneros performs a precise diagnosis to determine whether you are a candidate for this treatment.
Stop living with jaw pain and discomfort. If you live in Tijuana, San Diego, Los Angeles, or nearby areas, schedule a consultation with us.
Contact us!