In a bustling city like Portland, life is too short to spend it dealing with the debilitating discomfort of Chronic Jaw Pain. The respected specialists at Portland Oral Surgery understand this plight and hence offer state-of-the-art services to tackle this problem.
For those dealing with Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders, which cause severe pain and dysfunction in the muscles controlling jaw movements and the joints themselves, the solutions may not always be clear. You could be wondering whether it’s possible to get relief, or what types of treatments might help.
Understanding TMJ Disorders and Chronic Jaw Pain
Before delving into the specific treatment options, it’s crucial to understand what TMJ disorders are and how they result in Chronic Jaw Pain:
- TMJ disorders are problems or symptoms of the chewing muscles and joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull.
- The exact cause of an individual’s TMJ disorder is often difficult to determine. It may be a combination of factors like genetics, arthritis, and jaw injury.
- Chronic Jaw Pain, caused by TMJ disorders, often involves discomfort while opening the mouth wide or chewing.
As leading oral surgery providers in Portland, we stress the importance of focusing on the root cause of the pain above anything else – it is key in achieving long-term relief.
Comprehensive Evaluation
At Portland Oral Surgery, the first step in managing Chronic Jaw Pain involves a comprehensive evaluation. As part of this meticulous assessment:
- We review patient’s medical history and symptoms.
- Perform a thorough physical examination of the jaw and surrounding areas.
- We might also recommend imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, or an MRI to give us a clearer understanding of the jaw joint and surrounding structures.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
In many cases, non-surgical treatments can do wonders to reduce or even eliminate Chronic Jaw Pain:
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to stretch and strengthen jaw muscles, massage, heat/ice treatment, and ultrasound may alleviate symptoms.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, and anti-anxiety drugs help deal with pain.
- Oral Appliances: Dentists often recommend a splint or bite guard, worn over the teeth to reduce clenching or grinding, thus relieving muscle tension.
While non-surgical treatments help manage symptoms, they often do not fully address underlying structural problems causing jaw pain. That’s where the specialized solutions from Portland Oral Surgery come into the picture.
Advanced Oral Surgery Solutions
When conservative treatments do not provide adequate relief, surgical interventions might be considered. At Portland Oral Surgery, we offer two main types of surgeries for Chronic Jaw Pain:
Corrective Jaw Surgery – This procedure can correct a wide range of minor and major dental and skeletal irregularities, including the misalignment of jaws. By realigning the jaws into a more balanced and functional relationship, we may help alleviate Chronic Jaw Pain.
Arthroscopy:
A minimally invasive procedure where a small thin tube (catheter) is inserted into the joint space, it is used for washing (lavage), visualization (arthroscopy), biopsy, or minor surgery.
Dental Implants
Missing teeth can lead to an imbalance in the jaw, and could be an overlooked source of Chronic Jaw Pain. Dental implants can address this issue by mimicking the natural root structure of teeth, providing a strong and sturdy base for replacement teeth.
Experience the Portland Oral Surgery Difference
As a recognized leader in oral surgery, including dental implants and corrective jaw surgeries, Portland Oral Surgery has made a remarkable difference in countless lives suffering from TMJ Disorders and Chronic Jaw Pain.
Trust our team of dedicated specialists to deliver customized solutions that will get you back on the track of a pain-free life. Schedule an appointment with us today to start on your path to relief from Chronic Jaw Pain.
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