Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ/TMD) affect the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, causing pain, clicking, popping, locking, and difficulty opening the mouth. Dr. Kahwach takes a conservative-first approach — many TMJ conditions respond to non-surgical management — but when surgery is indicated, his training in arthroscopic and open joint procedures provides options that general dentists cannot offer.
Symptoms
Jaw pain or tenderness (especially when chewing), clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing, jaw locking in the open or closed position, limited range of motion, headaches and ear pain, changes in bite alignment, and facial muscle fatigue or spasm.
Treatment Spectrum
Conservative management — occlusal splint therapy, physical therapy referral, anti-inflammatory medication, muscle relaxants, behavioral modification, and trigger point injections. The majority of TMJ cases respond to conservative treatment.
Arthrocentesis — minimally invasive joint lavage (washout) to flush inflammatory mediators and break up adhesions. Performed under IV sedation in-office.
Arthroscopy — tiny camera inserted into the joint space to visualize and treat internal derangement, adhesions, and disc pathology. Small incisions, rapid recovery.
Open joint surgery — for severe cases including ankylosis (joint fusion), condylar fractures, tumors, or complete disc displacement requiring discectomy or joint replacement.
TMJ disorders often coexist with bite misalignment. When appropriate, Dr. Kahwach coordinates with orthodontists and may recommend orthognathic surgery to address the underlying skeletal contribution.
Schedule a TMJ evaluation — Dr. Kahwach will assess your joint, imaging, and history to recommend the least invasive effective treatment.