If you often feel pain in your jaw when you chew, speak, or yawn, there could be a deeper issue. Jaw pain that lasts a long time is called chronic jaw pain. It may be caused by joint or bone problems, and oral surgery can help fix it.
If you want answers, oral surgery in NE Calgary might be what you need to feel better and get your smile working properly again.
Why See a Dentist First?
Before surgery, we recommend you visit a dentist near you. They will inspect your teeth, gums, jaw movements, and bite to rule out simple sources of pain, such as cavities or clenching, and refer you to an oral surgeon if necessary.
Ways a dentist can benefit you:
- Check for early signs of joint or bite problems
- Provide treatments to lessen the symptoms (nightguards or medication)
- Help track changes in your jaw over time
- Refer you to someone who will do surgery when necessary
Consulting a local dentist is your first step toward pain relief.
What Surgery Can Do for Chronic Jaw Pain
When basic treatments don’t work, surgery might be the right choice. The goal is to give chronic jaw pain relief by fixing what’s causing the pain, like damaged joints or jawbones.
Examples of common jaw surgeries:
- TMJ repair: repairs or removes damaged tissue in the joint
- Jaw realignment: repositions the jaw to a more appropriate position
- Joint reshaping (arthroscopy): trims back tissue to decrease swelling and friction
- Bone work: cuts to change the size or shape of bone causing pressure
Surgery is usually safe and can lead to less pain, better chewing, and a healthier bite.
How Facial Pain and Oral Health Are Connected?
Many people don’t realize that their facial pain is a product of their oral health. If you have an issue with your mouth and/or jaw, it could cause pain in various parts of your face, like your cheeks, ears, or neck.
When this happens, it may be difficult to eat, sleep, or concentrate.
Signs the pain may be from your jaw:
- Soreness in your jaw or temples
- Clicking or popping sounds
- Jaw tightness in the morning
- Frequent headaches or neck pain
Oral surgeons can find the root cause and suggest treatment to stop the pain from spreading.
When to Consider Oral Surgery for TMJ
The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) connects your lower jaw to your skull. If it’s not working right, you may have TMJ disorder. In some cases, oral surgery for TMJ is needed to fix the joint and restore normal jaw movement.
Signs you may need surgery:
- Jaw pain that won’t go away
- Jaw locks open or shut
- Loud clicking when chewing
- Trouble opening your mouth fully
Surgery isn’t the first step, but if nothing else works, it can make a big difference.
You Don’t Have to Live with Jaw Pain
Jaw pain can interfere with everything you do, from eating to sleeping to enjoying life. Even if previous treatments didn’t work, oral surgery might be a solution.
With the proper care, you can reduce pain, restore movement, and maintain your overall oral care for many years to come.
Call Memorial Square Dental today to discuss your options and start your journey towards a smile without pain.
FAQs
- Is jaw pain always caused by TMJ?
No. Jaw pain can also be caused by grinding, stress, or dental problems. A dentist can help find the cause.
- Will I feel pain during surgery?
No. Surgery is done with anesthesia, so you won’t feel anything during the procedure. Some soreness afterward is normal.
- How long does it take to heal?
Healing depends on the type of surgery. Some people recover in a few days; others need a few weeks.
