What is Displaced Articular Disc TMJ Disorder?

February 5, 2022
Orthognathic (Corrective Jaw) Surgeon, Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Jaw Pain, Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Surgeon

Dr. Wolford treats one of the most common types of TMJ disorder, a displaced articular disc. This occurs when a disc slips out of its proper position.

Comprised of numerous bones, muscles, tendons, and other components, the jaw is one of the most complex joints in the body. This is understandable, as the jaw has to move in multiple directions and planes to chew food properly and facilitate speech.

However, all of those parts present ample opportunity for problems to develop. A collection of jaw issues known as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause significant discomfort and other problematic symptoms for patients.

Displaced Articular Disc Treatment

In treating TMJ disorders, a TMJ specialist must first diagnose the specific cause of the patient’s pain. The most common type of TMJ disorder is a displaced articular disc. This occurs when a disc slips out of its proper position. A TMJ specialist can recommend a number of different treatment options that can be effective for a particular case of TMJ disorder.

For example, when a displaced articular disc is involved, an oral surgeon may need to place a device known as a Mitek Anchor to stabilize the disc in its correct location.

A congenital defect or uneven developmental rates of the upper and lower jaws that result in TMJ disorders may also necessitate a surgical intervention.

On the other hand, some TMJ cases can be managed with pain medication or stress management techniques. If the cause of the TMJ disorder is not a structural defect within the jaw, the oral surgeon can consider less invasive treatment options.

Total Temporomandibular Joint (Tmj) Replacement - Displaced Articular Disc

In addition to the characteristic jaw pain, various other symptoms may indicate TMJ disorder. If you notice any of the following, schedule an evaluation with a TMJ specialist:

Clicking or popping noises while opening or closing the jaw
“Locking” of jaw in place
Headaches
Ear pain/aches
Pain in the neck and shoulders
Difficulty chewing
Dizziness

TMJ disorders are generally treatable, meaning patients don’t have to endure the pain forever. If you have questions or want to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Larry Wolford’s office using our online contact form or call 214-828-9115.

Get To Know Dr. Larry M. Wolford, DMD

Diplomat of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Dr. Larry M. Wolford, known as a caring and compassionate doctor, surgeon, researcher, lecturer, inventor, is renowned globally as a leading innovator in TMJ (jaw joint) surgery, orthognathic “corrective jaw” surgery, and maxillofacial revision surgery. He has completed many thousands of successful surgeries and is the most recognized, awarded, and referred Maxillofacial surgeon in the World.

Dr. Wolford’s patients travel to Dallas, Tx from all over the world. He has received recognition from his esteemed surgeon colleagues in the form of numerous awards, honors, Who’s Who in the World, and voted one of the leading Maxillofacial Surgeons in the world. Dr. Wolford has tirelessly shared his knowledge, surgical inventions, and expertise with other surgeons having trained hundreds of other surgeons through various fellowships at Baylor and Texas A&M.

Dr. Wolford is the recognized expert in his field as seen on numerous media outlets and by his long list of Google 5 Star reviews. Other oral surgeons, dentists, maxillofacial surgeons regularly refer their most difficult patients to Dr. Wolford because of his superior knowledge, capabilities, and life-changing results.

Contact Dr. Wolford’s Staff for a Free Initial Telephone Consultation.

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