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Revised March, 2024 – Resource, International Patient Center
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ABOUT TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDER IN TURKEY
To review temporomandibular joint disorder surgery in Turkey, there are various types of methods;
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation TENS – therapy uses low level electrical currents to provide pain relief by relaxing the jaw joint and facial muscles.
. - Ultrasound – deep heat is applied to the joint which can relieve soreness or improve mobility.
. - Trigger point injections – medication for pain and anesthesia is injected into the tender muscles called trigger points for relief.
. - Radio wave therapy – radio waves stimulate the joint which increase blood flow and ease pain.
- Low level laser therapy – lowers pain and inflammation and helps the neck move freely and mouth open wider.
If these treatments don’t provide help then there are 3 types of surgeries that are available as options are:
Arthrocentesis – used if there is no major history of TMJ, but the jaws are locked. Done with local anesthesia. Needles are inserted into the joint to dilute any inflammatory chemicals from the jaw. A special tool may be used to get rid of the damaged tissue or dislodge a disc stuck in the joint or to unstick the joint.
Arthroscopy – done with an arthroscope, which is a special tool with a lens and light on it. General anesthesia will be given and a small cut will be made in front of the ear and a tool will be inserted. It is hooked up on a video screen so the joint and area around it can be examined. The inflamed tissue may be removed or realign the disc or joint.
Open joint surgery – depending on the cause of TMD, arthroscopy may not be possible so this kind of surgery may be needed if;
- Bony structures in the jaw joint are wearing.
. - Tumor is in or around the joint.
. - Joint is scarred.
Surgery is done using general anesthesia and all of the area of the joint will be opened up.
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SUITABLE PATIENTS FOR JOINT DISORDER TREATMENTS
Patients who have a good health condition and healthy mentally and physically;
- Patients must experience at least one of the symptoms above.
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- Patients over the age of 20.
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BEFORE TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDER
- Alcohol must be avoided at least 48 hours before the treatment.
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- Smoking must be avoided 72 hours before the treatment.
. - X-rays will be taken of the tooth and jaw.
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AFTER TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDER
- Medicine prescribed by the dentist must be taken correctly.
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- Depending on the treatment performed special garments may need to be worn.
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- The surgical site needs to be kept dry for the first four days after the treatment.
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RISK OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDER
There is a slight possibility of risks to occur like in every treatment such as;
- Allergic reaction to materials used.
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- Swelling.
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- Sensitivity.
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- Bleeding.
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DEFINITION OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDER
General anesthesia – variety of medications given to ensure unconsciousness, loss of control of reflexes. The patient is put to sleep to not feel any pain or discomfort.
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FIRST DAY
The patients will attend consultation with the dentist and will be advised about the treatment and their condition. The patient will then be taken through a couple of tests that are required before the treatment; X-rays will be taken to check the state of the jaws and teeth. Other tests like MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computer tomography) may be done. In the MRI it can be seen if the TMJ disc is in the correct place as the jaws move and in a CT scan the bone details of the joint can be seen. If desired, patients can spend the day to rest and attend the clinic for treatment the next day.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Treatment in Turkey will be performed. The duration will take around an hour to perform but depending on the type of treatment performed the duration can increase. All types of treatments are performed on an outpatient basis using local or general anesthesia depending on which is necessary.
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SECOND DAY
The patient will attend final visit to the hospital, if surgery is performed, to check that everything is normal. The patient will be advised with medication and instructed about caring for the jaws and teeth and once the treatment is over the patient is ready to return to their destination, or if they want they can enjoy their time in Turkey.
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1. What is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?
Problems in the jaw and muscles in the face are known as temporomandibular disorder TMD. The exact reasons causing TMD is not found yet but it is believed that symptoms arise from problems in the muscles of the jaw or the joint caused are;
- Injury to the haw, joint or muscles of the head and neck.
. - Grinding or clenching teeth.
. - Movement of the disc between the ball and socket of the joint.
. - Arthritis in the joint.
. - Stress which can cause to tighten facial and jaw muscles or clench teeth.
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2. How is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Treatment done?
There are various types of treatment for a TMD like;
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation TENS – therapy uses low level electrical currents to provide pain relief by relaxing the jaw joint and facial muscles.
. - Ultrasound – deep heat is applied to the joint which can relieve soreness or improve mobility Trigger point injections – medication for pain and anesthesia is injected into the tender muscles called trigger points for relief.
. - Radio wave therapy – radio waves stimulate the joint which increase blood flow and ease pain
. - Low level laser therapy – lowers pain and inflammation and helps the neck move freely and mouth open wider.
If these treatments don’t provide help then there are 3 types of surgeries, which are also other options;
- Arthrocentesis.
. - Arthroscopy.
. - Open joint surgery.
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3. Who can have Joint Disorder Treatment?
- Children patients who are over the age of 20.
. - Patients must experience at least one of the symptoms.
. - Adult patients are able undergo the treatment at any age.
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4. How long does Treatment take?
Treatment takes around an hour to perform; depending on the type of treatment performed the duration can extend to several hours or take a shorter time.
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5. Are there any risks of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?
Like every treatment there are some risks with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder treatment such as;
- Swelling.
. - Bleeding.
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- Sensitivity.
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- Allergic reaction to material used.
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6. Devices used in Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?
An arthroscope is used in the treatment, which is a special tool with a lens and light on it. The laser device is also used depending on the type of treatment performed. Computer tomography device and magnetic resonance imaging device is also used.
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7. How long do I need to stay in Turkey?
The recommended stay in Turkey for is 1-2 days including consultation before and after the treatment. The duration of staying in Turkey can increase by a couple of days depending on the type of treatment performed.
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8. When can I return to work?
Patients can return to work straight away after the treatment at Turkey as long as they feel healthy and comfortable.
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