The temporomandibular joint, commonly known as the TMJ, is the hinge connecting your jaw to the bones of your skull, or temporal bones, which are in front of each ear. This joint allows you to move your jaw freely and smile without any hesitation. When problems occur within your jaw and the surrounding muscles in your face, these complications can be known as temporomandibular joint disorders or (TMD).
Dr. Bryce Heiner at Oral & Facial Surgery of New Mexico specializes in diagnosing TMJ disorders, which can be corrected with various types of treatments. It is important to schedule an oral consultation appointment at any of our offices in Las Cruces, NM, or Roswell, NM, so Dr. Heiner can properly inspect and treat your disorder.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
Some of the major symptoms of TMJ disorders include
- Chronic headaches
- Ear pain or hearing problems, such as ringing in the ears
- Tightness around the jaw, or the jaw snapping shut when attempting to close the mouth
- Problems with opening the mouth completely
- A clicking or grinding sound when opening the jaw
If you have noticed any of the symptoms above, we strongly suggest you consult with Dr. Heiner as soon as possible. It can be difficult for the average patient to pinpoint a specific diagnosis of a TMJ disorder, but Dr. Heiner is specially trained to do so. If you notice any of the symptoms above, Dr. Heiner can confirm the presence of a TMJ disorder and develop a treatment plan to restore your oral function and smile.
TMJ Disorder Treatment at Oral & Facial Surgery of New Mexico
In some cases, TMJ disorders can be corrected with nonsurgical treatment. Resting the jaw, doing jaw exercises, managing the pain through medication, and other methods may be used to treat your discomfort unless your jaw problems are much more serious. If nonsurgical treatments are not an option for your condition, then Dr. Heiner may suggest surgery. We will always exhaust all options before resorting to surgical treatment. When you visit one of our offices in Las Cruces or Roswell, NM, for your consultation, Dr. Heiner can examine your condition and recommend the best option to treat your TMJ needs.
