at Coastal Jaw Surgery
at Coastal Jaw Surgery
TMJ SYNDROME OR TMD, temporomandibular disorder, is a problem related to the improper function of your jaw joint
The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) connect your lower jaw to your skull and play an important role in movements such as chewing, speaking, and yawning. Problems affecting these joints and the surrounding muscles are known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD).
Symptoms of TMD can vary from patient to patient and may include jaw pain or soreness, clicking or popping sounds, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, jaw locking, headaches, or discomfort in the muscles around the jaw and face. Some patients may also experience ear-related symptoms such as ringing or a feeling of fullness.
Because these symptoms can have several possible causes, an accurate evaluation is important before beginning treatment. If you are experiencing signs of a possible TMJ disorder, the team at Coastal Jaw Surgery can assess your symptoms and help determine an appropriate course of care.
To schedule a consultation for a possible TMJ disorder, contact Coastal Jaw Surgery today at (800) DIAL-SMILE.
Oral Surgery REVIEWS
Coastal Jaw Surgery
Dr. Michael A. Pikos
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Michael A. Pikos is the CEO and Founder of Coastal Jaw Surgery, now celebrating its 40th anniversary. He is also the CEO and Founder of the world renowned Pikos Institute in Trinity, FL. He is recognized as a world authority on dental implant surgical reconstruction.
Coastal Jaw Surgery
Dr. Nicole Hernandez
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Othman Rezki
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Coastal Jaw Surgery
Dr. Philip J.
Hedger
Prosthodontist
Coastal Jaw Surgery
Dr. Lindsey
Pikos Rosati
Periodontist
Coastal Jaw Surgery
Dr. Anthony M. Pikos
Periodontist
Dr. Bashar Adeinat
Periodontist
The Causes and Common Symptoms of TMJ-TMD
TMJ-TMD is a dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint, which connects your skull and your jaw. Every time you open and close your mouth, you are using this joint. Since this is so frequently used, severe TMJ-TMD can dramatically influence your quality of life. A defective joint can have many possible causes:
- Your genetics.
- An injury to the joint.
- Misaligned teeth or an abnormal bite.
- Excessive stress on the jaw muscles.
- Arthritis or tumors.
These are some possible causes, and it can be difficult to determine the specific cause of TMJ-TMD. If you develop a TMJ problem, you may experience one of the following symptoms:
- A popping sound when you open or close your jaw.
- Headaches that are frequent.
- Earaches or a ringing in your ears.
- Clenching of your jaw.
- A sore or painful jaw.
- Pain during chewing.
- The locking of your jaw, or difficulty opening and closing your jaw is difficult.
- Pain that radiates to your temples, face, or neck.
The Treatment Options For TMJ
In many cases, the pain and discomfort from a TMJ disorder can be relieved with self-managed care or non-surgical treatments. These include lifestyle changes, medication, and physical therapy.
TMJ surgery, including TMJ reconstruction surgery, might be recommended by Coastal Jaw Surgery to correct your TMJ if you experience:
- TMJ locking—The inability to properly open or close your mouth.
- Continuous facial pain—Despite having attempted non-surgical therapies.
- Intense pain—That is not relieved with medications.
- Difficulty eating or drinking—Because of jaw pain or immobility.
- TMJ damage from trauma—Such as facial injuries after an accident.
- TMJ damage from disease—Such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis or tumors involving the TMJ.
- Facial deformities—That have affected the development of the TMJ.
Surgery is usually implemented after other measures have failed, with the most performed procedures for treatment of TMJ disorders being:
- Arthroscopy or Arthrocentesis.
- Arthroplasty and total joint replacement surgery.
Same Day Teeth®
at Pikos Institute
8740 Mitchell Blvd
New Port Richey, FL 34655
(727) 877-0011
at Clearwater, FL
Pinellas Periodontics
at Clearwater
3003 Enterprise Rd E
Clearwater, FL 33759
(727) 799-4492
Coastal Jaw Surgery
at Palm Harbor
2711 Tampa Rd.
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
(727) 786-1631
Coastal Jaw Surgery
at Spring Hill
4372 Commercial Way
Spring Hill, FL 34606
(352) 596-6804
Coastal Jaw Surgery
at Tampa
11940 Sheldon Rd
Tampa, FL 33626
(727) 877-0011
Coastal Jaw Surgery
at Trinity
8845 Hawbuck St
Trinity, FL 34655
(727) 375-0469
Aftercare Instructions for TMJ Surgery
Following your surgery, your team at Coastal Jaw Surgery will provide you with guidelines to follow during your recovery from surgery. These include:
- Dietary guidelines—For the first few days, you will be restricted to a soft diet.
- Oral hygiene guidelines—They include keeping your mouth and teeth clean to encourage faster healing and to decrease the risk of infection. After any snacks, each meal, and before bed, you should brush your teeth. Use a circular motion and a 45-degree angle toward the gum line. If brushing is impossible, wipe over your gums and teeth with a moistened cotton tip.
- Exercise guidelines—Strenuous activity should be avoided. Coastal Jaw Surgery may also prescribe physical therapy and jaw exercises to help your recovery.
- Medication guidelines—We will advise you on any medications to control any discomfort and to reduce any inflammation.
Cost of TMJ Surgery
The cost of your TMJ treatment will depend on a variety of factors, ranging from a mouth guard to corrective surgery, and (if applicable) your dental insurance plan coverage. At Coastal Jaw Surgery, we are committed to providing you with high-quality oral care in a manner that is both simple and efficient. To help meet your unique budget and needs, we offer the following financing options:
- Carecredit® Healthcare Financing (interest-free financing for dental care)
- GreenSky® Patient Financing
- Lending Club Patient Financing
We also accept traditional insurance, and as an additional courtesy, are happy to file and track your insurance claim and assist with insurance family plans. To help facilitate this process, please have your insurance information prepared at your appointment, including your insurance and identification card. To help you maximize your benefits, we are also happy to provide a written diagnostic report and X-rays to your insurance company if necessary.
Please note: Dental insurance only covers part of your total expenses; any remaining out-of-pocket expenses must be paid following service. We accept cash, debit cards, and most major credit cards (MasterCard, VISA, Discover, American Express).
Contact Coastal Jaw Surgery
At Coastal Jaw Surgery, our goal is to improve your oral health, restore the function and appearance of your smile, and support your overall quality of life.
Whether you are receiving oral surgery, dental implants, or periodontal treatment, you can feel confident knowing your care is guided by professionals who remain closely involved in advancements within implant dentistry, periodontics, and oral surgery.
To learn more about our practice and services or to schedule an appointment for a TMJ disorder treatment consultation, contact us today at (800) 639-5665 or complete our online form.