Frequently Asked Questions

TMJ surgery can be the definitive solution for chronic pain and impaired jaw function — especially when other, less invasive treatments haven't worked. At our clinic, we use advanced techniques and modern equipment to ensure the procedure is safe and effective, with minimal discomfort and a fast recovery.

Yes — TMJ problems are a very common cause of headaches. When the temporomandibular joint is misaligned or under stress, it can irritate nearby muscles and nerves, sending pain radiating up to the head. If you frequently have headaches alongside jaw discomfort, clicking sounds, or trouble chewing, it is worth getting your TMJ evaluated.

Yes, facial pain is often linked to TMJ problems. If you are experiencing discomfort or pain around the jaw, near the ears, or pain that spreads across your face, it could be a sign that your TMJ is out of alignment or under strain.

Jaw pain during chewing can point to a TMJ disorder, bruxism, or an oral infection. These conditions affect your ability to eat and speak comfortably. Our specialists can identify the exact cause and recommend the right treatment — whether that is a bite splint, therapy, or a more targeted approach. Book a consultation to get the relief you need.

Yes, ear pain is a common sign of TMJ problems. Because the TMJ sits very close to the ear canal, dysfunction in the joint often causes discomfort that feels like it is coming from the ear. We offer thorough evaluations to find out whether your ear pain is TMJ-related and create a personalized treatment plan.

Orthognathic surgery corrects structural irregularities of the jaw and facial bones — particularly misalignments that cannot be fixed with braces alone. Beyond improving bite, speech, and breathing, it can also have a meaningful impact on facial appearance. We use advanced technology to plan and perform every case with precision, delivering both functional and aesthetic results.

Orthognathic surgery is performed by a specialized oral and maxillofacial team. Each case is planned in detail using 3D imaging tailored to the patient's anatomy. During surgery, the jawbones are carefully repositioned and secured with internal plates and screws. The procedure is done under general anesthesia, and we use minimally invasive techniques wherever possible to shorten recovery time and optimize outcomes.

Post-op care is carefully managed to support a smooth recovery. Patients typically experience some swelling and discomfort in the first few days, managed with prescription pain medication. You will receive dietary guidance — usually starting with liquids or soft foods — to give the bones time to heal properly. Good oral hygiene and regular follow-up appointments are also important throughout the recovery process.

Planning starts with a thorough evaluation of your oral and facial health — including X-rays and CT scans for a precise view of your bone structure. Working closely with your orthodontist, we develop a personalized surgical plan that defines exactly how the jawbones will be repositioned. We also use 3D simulations so you can get an approximation of your results before the surgery even takes place.

Like any surgery, orthognathic surgery carries some risks. When performed by an experienced team, it is generally very safe — but potential complications include bleeding, infection, or a reaction to anesthesia. There is also a chance that results may differ slightly from what was planned, which could require a follow-up procedure. Temporary effects such as difficulty chewing, speech changes, or altered facial sensation are possible but typically resolve during recovery. Your surgeon will walk you through all risks in detail before you decide to proceed.

After orthognathic surgery, some patients notice a temporary change in lower lip sensation. This happens because the tissues and nerves near the jaw are disturbed during the procedure. For most people, normal feeling returns as healing progresses. In rare cases, the change may persist longer or become permanent. Your surgeon will discuss this risk with you before the procedure.

Orthognathic surgery may be right for you if jaw misalignment is affecting your ability to chew, speak, or breathe properly — or if it is causing persistent pain or discomfort. It is also an option for correcting significant facial disproportions that impact both function and appearance. The best way to find out is to schedule an evaluation with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Surgery should be considered when jaw misalignment is significantly affecting your chewing, speech, breathing, or dental health — or when structural facial issues are impacting function or appearance. The decision is usually made after a thorough evaluation, once other options like orthodontic treatment alone have proven insufficient.

Jaw misalignment can narrow the airway and make breathing more difficult. When orthognathic surgery repositions the bones correctly, the airway opens up and airflow improves substantially. Many patients with sleep apnea or structural breathing problems notice a significant difference after the procedure.

Yes — orthognathic surgery can be highly effective for sleep apnea caused by structural problems with the jaw. By repositioning the jawbones, the procedure opens the upper airway, reducing or eliminating the blockages that trigger apnea episodes. Many patients see a significant improvement in sleep quality as a result.

Wisdom teeth are often removed when there is not enough room for them to come in properly — which can lead to pain, inflammation, and other dental problems. They may also grow at awkward angles that press against neighboring teeth, be difficult to clean properly (raising the risk of cavities and infection), or remain completely impacted under the gum.

The best time to remove wisdom teeth is generally during the late teens or early twenties. At that stage, the roots are not yet fully formed, which makes the extraction easier and reduces the risk of complications. Younger patients also tend to recover more quickly.

The decision is usually based on a careful evaluation that includes panoramic X-rays to see the teeth's position, a review of any symptoms like pain, swelling, or infection, and an assessment of available space and growth angle. If your wisdom teeth are not causing problems, your dentist may simply keep an eye on them rather than recommend immediate removal.

Problematic wisdom teeth that are left in place can cause pain and pressure on neighboring teeth, infections like pericoronitis, shifting or damage to adjacent teeth, difficulty keeping the area clean (raising the risk of cavities), and — in rare cases — cysts. They can also undo orthodontic work. Regular check-ups with your dentist are the best way to stay on top of any changes.

Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) is a condition that affects the jaw joint — the hinge that connects your lower jaw to your skull. It can cause jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and clicking or popping sounds when you open or close your mouth.

Difficulty opening your mouth can be a symptom of TMD, which affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Along with limited jaw movement, it often causes pain, stiffness, and clicking or popping sensations. That said, infections or injuries can produce similar symptoms too, so a professional evaluation is the best way to get an accurate diagnosis.

Common signs of bruxism include waking up with jaw soreness or pain, frequent headaches (especially around the temples), and your partner noticing grinding sounds at night. Your dentist may also spot tell-tale signs like worn-down, flattened, or chipped teeth. If you recognize any of these, it is worth seeing a specialist for an evaluation.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a dental specialty focused on diagnosing and treating diseases, injuries, and structural issues affecting the mouth, jaw, face, and neck. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons handle everything from wisdom tooth extractions and jaw realignment to facial reconstruction after trauma and the removal of oral tumors or cysts.

A misaligned bite can result from tooth crowding, jaw size differences, or abnormal jaw growth. TMD — which affects the jaw joint — can also shift the way your teeth come together. Untreated orthodontic issues or teeth lost early can cause the remaining teeth to drift and disrupt the bite.