Question 1

What is the condyle?

Accepted Answer

The jaw joint is designed like a ball and socket. The “ball” is the part of the lower jaw, called the condyle that fits into the “socket” of the temporal bone, known as the fossa.

Question 2

What is an Eminectomy?

Accepted Answer

An eminectomy is a procedure that modifies the bony anatomy of the joint. It is a proven technique for treating recurrent dislocations of the joint.

Question 3

What is disc anchorage?

Accepted Answer

The articular disc sits on the top of the condyle of the TMJ, acting almost as a shock absorber, always sitting between the lower jaw and the socket of the TMJ. In some instances, the disc becomes displaced and sits in front of the condyle. This can give rise to irritating clicks and sometimes painful limited opening. In cases where non-surgical therapy fails to resolve the symptoms of clicking or painful limited mouth opening, surgical repositioning of the articular disc can often give significant improvement. This involves open surgery of the joint, via a 2-3 cm incision immediately in front of the ear.

Question 4

What is arthrocentesis?

Accepted Answer

This is similar to an injection into the jaw joint and is used as a treatment for pain that does not improve using non-invasive therapies. Local anaesthetic is carefully injected into the jaw joint, making this area numb. A second needle is then also inserted into the joint, and sterile water is then flushed through the joint, entering via one needle and exiting via the second. The water removes inflammatory chemicals that cause pain and swelling from the joint.

Question 5

Can you describe what arthroscopy involves?

Accepted Answer

Arthroscopy is similar to arthrocentesis but uses two wider needles called cannulas. We insert a tiny camera through one cannula to examine the joint in detail. The second cannula allows for fluid drainage or the insertion of instruments like scissors, biopsy forceps, or a laser to clean the joint of scar tissue.

Question 6

Do you only see patients at the hospital?

Accepted Answer

No. My work schedule is divided between public hospital and private practice. I provide the same services in both settings.

Question 7

What exactly is a wisdom tooth?

Accepted Answer

A wisdom tooth is the third molar, the large chewing tooth at the back of your mouth, which usually emerges around age 18. Often, there isn't enough space for it, causing it to become stuck or impacted.

Question 8

When should a wisdom tooth be removed?

Accepted Answer

Not all wisdom teeth need removal, but common reasons include painful gum infections, tooth decay of the wisdom or adjacent tooth, cyst formation around an impacted tooth, or as part of orthodontic treatment or before orthognathic surgery.

Question 9

Will I be able to go straight back to work after my wisdom tooth is taken out?

Accepted Answer

Some wisdom teeth, particularly in the upper jaw, cause little pain or swelling following removal and it should be possible to return to work immediately.

Lower wisdom teeth vary in terms of associated pain and swelling following removal. You should expect to use some form of pain medication (acamol, ibufen) for between 2-10 days. Dr Gillman will be happy to guide you about this at your initial visit.

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