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Office Location
200 Elm Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Ph: 413.464.8200
Fax: 413.464.8205
contact@matthewballingerdds.com
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Oral Surgery
Corrective Jaw Surgery
Corrective jaw surgery (Orthognathic surgery)
treats the misalignment of the jaw through surgical repositioning. Jaw surgery
may be for you if you have an abnormal bite or have a misaligned jaw. People in
need of jaw surgery often have:
- Difficulty with eating
- Speech or breathing
problems
- Chronic jaw pain or an open bite.
During a comprehensive
examination, our surgeons will use facial x-rays to explain the best surgery
routes available to you. This consultation will help you better understand how
your bite will be improved.
This surgery moves your jaw into a new
position to improve the functionality of the relationship between your teeth and
jaws. While you will find that your smile will undergo an aesthetic improvement,
more importantly, the new positioning will improve your long term dental health.
TMJ Disorders
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders develop as a result
of the jaw joints and the chewing muscles are out of joint. Injuries to the jaw
as well as arthritis can cause damage to these joints, preventing them from
working correctly. Symptoms include:
- Pain or a clicking sound
- Frequent
headaches/neck aches
- A popping, or locking of the jaw when you open your
mouth
- A stiffness or soreness around the jaw
After an initial
consultation, if our surgeons determine you suffer from TMJ, initial treatment
will involve immediate muscle relief with the use of a pain reliever or
anti-inflammatory. Other forms of stress management involve physical therapy or
the use of a temporary plastic appliance known as a splint that moves your jaw
forward relieving pressure from your jaw.
In some cases surgery, such as arthoscopy and open joint repair, are required to produce optimal results. The
main goal at our office is to assess your pain and provide you with treatment
that will enable you to have a healthier, pain-free jaw.
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