Jaw Pain That Won’t Quit? When TMJ Treatment Needs an Oral Surgeon
If you wake up with a sore jaw, hear clicking when you chew, or struggle to open your mouth all the way, you might have a TMJ disorder — and you’re not alone. Millions of people deal with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, but not everyone realizes when it’s time to see an oral surgeon for help.
At Rockwall Oral Surgery, Dr. Kevin Pollock and his team help patients find relief — from mild cases to severe jaw joint problems that need surgical care.
What Is TMJ?
Your TMJ (temporomandibular joint) acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jaw to your skull. When this joint or the surrounding muscles become strained, inflamed, or misaligned, it can cause pain and other frustrating symptoms.
Common signs of TMJ disorders include:
- Jaw pain or soreness, especially in the morning
- Clicking, popping, or grinding noises when you move your jaw
- Headaches or earaches
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth fully
- Locking of the jaw
When Does TMJ Require an Oral Surgeon?
Many TMJ disorders can be managed with conservative treatments like bite splints, physical therapy, or stress management. But when these options don’t bring relief — or when there’s structural damage inside the joint — surgical treatment may be needed.
You may need to see an oral surgeon if you have:
- Severe or worsening pain that doesn’t improve with non-surgical care
- Limited jaw movement or locking that affects eating and speaking
- Joint damage seen on imaging
- Long-term jaw dislocation problems
What Are the Surgical Options for TMJ?
TMJ surgery doesn’t always mean major surgery. Depending on your condition, Dr. Pollock may recommend:
- Arthrocentesis: A simple procedure that flushes the joint to reduce inflammation and improve movement.
- Arthroscopy: Using a small camera and tiny instruments to smooth or repair the joint.
- Open joint surgery: In rare, severe cases, damaged tissue or bone may need to be repaired or replaced.
No matter the approach, the goal is always to reduce pain, restore function, and help you get back to everyday life without chronic discomfort.
Find the Source of Your Jaw Pain
If your jaw pain is persistent, don’t wait it out. TMJ issues rarely fix themselves and can get worse over time without the right treatment.
Dr. Pollock and the Rockwall Oral Surgery team will evaluate your jaw, discuss your symptoms, and recommend the best plan for your situation — whether that’s non-surgical care, a bite guard, or a surgical option if needed.
Ready for Relief?
Don’t let jaw pain keep you from enjoying life. Schedule a consultation today to find out what’s causing your discomfort — and how we can help you feel better.
Call Rockwall Oral Surgery at (469) 757-4433 or reach us through our contact page to schedule a consultation.
