TMJ SYNDROME OR TMD, temporomandibular disorder, is a problem related to the improper function of your jaw joint.
TMJ is an abbreviation for the temporomandibular joint, which is your jaw joint. TMJ syndrome or TMD, temporomandibular disorder, is a problem related to the improper function of your jaw joint. The symptoms are most often a popping, clicking noise, or rustling in the jaw joint and might be accompanied by jaw pain or muscle pain. Your jaw might lock in position or is hard to open, you have consistent headaches, ringing in your ears, and even some numbness in your face. If you think you might have TMJ, make an appointment at Coastal Jaw Surgery to receive an accurate diagnosis before proceeding with the appropriate treatment.
At Coastal Jaw Surgery, every patient who walks through our door will receive VIP Treatment delivered by dedicated professionals who are leaders in their fields and ready to provide you with personalized care using the most cutting-edge dental technology available. To schedule an appointment for a consultation regarding your potential TMJ disorder, contact us today at (800) NEW-LOOK.
Oral Surgery REVIEWS
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.
Dr. Kenneth L.
Anderson
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Nicole Hernandez
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Andrew
Lalli
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Othman
Rezki
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Lindsey
Pikos Rosati
Periodontist
Dr. Anthony M. Pikos
Periodontist
Dr. Bashar Adeinat
Periodontist
Dr. Philip J.
Hedger
Prosthodontist
The Causes and Common Symptoms of TMJ-TMD
TMJ-TMD is a flawed function 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 these 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 opening and closing your jaw is difficult.
- A 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 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.
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
In addition to maintaining a private practice, Dr. Michael A. Pikos also founded the Pikos Institute in 1990, a now globally recognized teaching organization that provides surgical and technology-based training for clinicians throughout the world to perform highly successful implant dentistry. Whether you are having oral surgery, dental implants, or periodontal services, you can feel confident that you are receiving care from oral health professionals who are at the forefront of oral surgery education and leaders in the fields of periodontal services and implant dentistry.
To learn more about our clinic and services, or to schedule an appointment for an evaluation on your possible TMJ condition, contact us today at (800) NEW-LOOK or fill out an online form.
At Coastal Jaw Surgery, we are committed to improving your oral health, aesthetic appearance of your smile, and overall quality of life!