Advanced TMJ Treatments for Jaw Pain in Birmingham, AL

It's a common misconception that TMJ refers to a disease that causes pain and discomfort in your jaw. TMJ actually refers to a specific joint in your jaw: the temporomandibular joint. There are at least 30 different disorders and conditions related to the TMJ, all of which can cause significant disruptions to your daily life, including eating, sleeping, and even communicating.

TMJ disorders all tend to cause pain and dysfunctional movement of your jaw joint and the surrounding muscles. They could be caused by behaviors like grinding or clenching your teeth in your sleep, by traumatic injuries to your face or neck, or other diseases and conditions that either damage the joint itself or the muscles surrounding it over time.

While TMJ disorders cannot be permanently resolved, our experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Maniscalco, has the tools and techniques to restore comfort and function to your jaw. With the most precise diagnostic tools and leading-edge treatments, we can often provide relief to patients who have not had success elsewhere.

What to Expect from a TMJ Appointment

Because TMJ disorders can stem from various causes, the most important aspect of your treatment plan is an accurate diagnosis. We'll begin with a thorough medical history, in which we may ask you questions about your stress levels, any previous injuries, your family medical history, and whether you've experienced any other joint problems such as arthritis. At this visit, Dr. Maniscalco may recommend different conservative therapies or may recommend additional imaging, like an MRI, to further evaluate the joint and prepare for surgery.

At Maniscalco Oral Surgery and Implant Center, we have the latest 3D imaging technology so we can get the clearest possible picture of your jaw's anatomy. Once we determine the precise position, structure, and condition of the bones and muscles involved in the joint, we can begin crafting a treatment plan to ease your pain and tension in the long run. We can also easily share our advanced diagnostic results with your referring doctor or other members of your care team.

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TMJ Disorder FAQs

Do TMJ problems go away?

TMJ problems do not go away on their own, and they cannot be permanently cured. However, with a considered combination of self-care and professional care, you can achieve real relief and stop the condition from worsening.

Knowing the precise treatment plan that will work for you depends on receiving the most accurate possible diagnosis. At Maniscalco Oral Surgery and Implant Center, we use state-of-the-art 3D CT Scanning technology to get a crystal-clear picture of your jaw's anatomy, which we can then use to determine the best course of action.

What do TMJ problems feel like?

There are more than 30 different types of TMJ disorder, but they all share the tell-tale symptoms of jaw pain and diminished function. Other common symptoms include:

Soreness and stiffness around the jaw, especially upon waking
Frequent headaches and/or neck aches
Pain that worsens when clenching your teeth
Pain that worsens with stress
Teeth that don't align properly, or don't touch when you bite down
Clicking, popping, grating, catching, or locking in your jaw joint when you open your mouth
Difficulty opening your mouth, eating, yawning, or using your front teeth to bite
Sensitivity in your teeth, or teeth that are loose, broken, or worn down

Do TMJ disorders require jaw surgery?

The need for surgery is completely dependent on the patient and on how bad the symptoms of pain and dysfunction are. Most of the time, we will attempt to alleviate the problem with conservative therapy before surgical intervention. Dr. Maniscalco Oral Surgery and Implant Center will discuss any options with you during your visit.

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