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18 Important Questions to Ask Before You Have TMJ Surgery

Having jaw surgery can be daunting, but if you go into the experience knowing what to expect, and being prepared for everything you will be going through, it will be a much smoother experience. Sharing tips with your fellow patients is also a great way to learn, since those who have been through the procedures can tell you what it was like and what they would do differently. Here are a collection of questions you need to ask when you are considering having TMJ surgery:

Know the Basics

  • Why do I need to have this procedure?
  • Exactly what surgery are you recommending?
  • Are there any alternatives that are non-surgical?
  • Will my insurance cover this?
  • If not, how much will it cost?

 

Make a Pros & Cons List

I suggest making a list of the pros and cons of having the surgery. The following questions will help you put this list together.

  • What are the benefits of having this surgery?
  • What are the risks?
  • What would happen if I decide not to have the operation?
  • What are the success rates for this procedure? What are the success rates for any alternatives?
  • What will happen if it does not work?

Read More »18 Important Questions to Ask Before You Have TMJ Surgery

TMJ Disorder Questions & Answers Part Three

is there a cure for TMJ?
Here are the latest questions that have been submitted by TMJ disorder patients. Do you have a TMJ related question? Ask in the comments section below or send it to us and your question could be featured in our next Q&A!


1. Once you have TMJ do you have the problem for life or can you get rid of it completely?

This is a hard question to answer. Some patients find that they get better almost immediately with self-care techniques like a soft diet or heat or ice. Other patients however, don’t get better so fast. They might need some follow-up treatment with their dentist, splints, physical therapy, some medications, or other treatments. An even smaller percentage still may need to go on to more invasive treatment, like surgery. Please understand that this percentage is very small. Right now we don’t have any specific data on how many people end up having jaw surgery, but we do know that it’s a very small percentage – possibly in the 5% (or lower) percentile.
So to answer your question, is TMJ disorder something you will have for life, or can you get rid of it? I am not sure – everyone is so different. Most people don’t have it for life as far as we can tell, but I think it’s also something that you will always be aware of. For example, you might always have some jaw discomfort after eating something that is chewy. So it may be something that you have to deal with on and off throughout your life.
We find that many patients have periods in their lives where they are not affected by TMJ disorder, then other times where it does have an effect on their life and how they live. Stress is obviously a factor, and many patients find that if they are able to get rid of the TMJ pain for a long time, a period of high stress will make it come back.
I hope this answers your question, I know it’s complicated and I wish there was one answer that was 100% definitive but unfortunately there isn’t yet.Read More »TMJ Disorder Questions & Answers Part Three

TMJ Disorder Questions & Answers Part Three

is there a cure for TMJ?
Here are the latest questions that have been submitted by TMJ disorder patients. Do you have a TMJ related question? Ask in the comments section below or send it to us and your question could be featured in our next Q&A!

1. Once you have TMJ do you have the problem for life or can you get rid of it completely?

This is a hard question to answer. Some patients find that they get better almost immediately with self-care techniques like a soft diet or heat or ice. Other patients however, don’t get better so fast. They might need some follow-up treatment with their dentist, splints, physical therapy, some medications, or other treatments. An even smaller percentage still may need to go on to more invasive treatment, like surgery. Please understand that this percentage is very small. Right now we don’t have any specific data on how many people end up having jaw surgery, but we do know that it’s a very small percentage – possibly in the 5% (or lower) percentile.
So to answer your question, is TMJ disorder something you will have for life, or can you get rid of it? I am not sure – everyone is so different. Most people don’t have it for life as far as we can tell, but I think it’s also something that you will always be aware of. For example, you might always have some jaw discomfort after eating something that is chewy. So it may be something that you have to deal with on and off throughout your life.
We find that many patients have periods in their lives where they are not affected by TMJ disorder, then other times where it does have an effect on their life and how they live. Stress is obviously a factor, and many patients find that if they are able to get rid of the TMJ pain for a long time, a period of high stress will make it come back.
I hope this answers your question, I know it’s complicated and I wish there was one answer that was 100% definitive but unfortunately there isn’t yet.Read More »TMJ Disorder Questions & Answers Part Three

Top Five TMJ Disorder Questions

Over the years I have spoken with thousands of TMJ disorder patients, and have noticed that we ask very similar questions. I had a lot of these same questions when I started researching, but it was hard to find the answers.

TMJ Patient Questions

    1. Does anyone experience dizziness with TMJ disorder?

Yes.  Many TMJD patients experience dizziness, and some experience a general off balance feeling.  Sometimes this can be attributed to swelling in the joint that is putting stress on the inner ear.  The inner ear is where your balance comes from.

    2. Sometimes when I move my jaw, I hear a popping noise in my ear.  Does this mean I have TMJ?

Maybe. Jaw noises do not 100%, all the time mean you have TMJ disorder.  Some people have noises in their jaw joints, but never worry a day in their lives about developing TMJ. I think of it like a knee or ankle popping. Sometimes my knees pop when I go up and down the stairs, but I’m not too worried about developing a massive arthritis problem.

    3. Do Botox injections decrease TMJ related muscle spasms or jaw pain?

Read More »Top Five TMJ Disorder Questions