The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jaw to the skull, plays an essential role in everyday activities such as speaking, chewing, and yawning. However, when its function is disrupted, it can cause symptoms that often go unnoticed or are mistakenly attributed to stress, such as recurring headaches, clicking sounds when opening the mouth, jaw tension, or even ear pain.
To provide specialized care for these types of conditions, Hospiten Rambla and Hospiten Bellevue University Hospitals have launched a new Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Service specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders, among other conditions.
Dr. Guillermo Gómez Oliveira, a specialist in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Hospiten Rambla and Hospiten Bellevue University Hospitals, explains that “many patients live with jaw pain for years because they consider it normal or because the symptoms are mistaken for other problems.” “It is common for them to consult various medical specialists for years before receiving an accurate diagnosis, even though early detection is essential to achieving good outcomes and preventing further damage to the joint,” he notes.
Dr. Gómez Oliveira notes that rising stress levels in the population have led to an increase in cases of bruxism, one of the main causes of these disorders, even among children. “Continuously clenching or grinding the teeth subjects the joint to excessive strain that, if left untreated, can lead to displacement of the articular meniscus, jaw locking, or degenerative processes such as osteoarthritis,” he states.
In the early stages, treatment is typically approached through conservative therapies, such as bite splints, physical therapy, or botulinum toxin injections. However, when there is significant deterioration of the joint, surgery becomes the most effective option for restoring function and eliminating pain.
“Technological advances in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery allow us to offer minimally invasive procedures, such as arthrocentesis or surgery through small incisions, which significantly reduce surgical trauma, promote faster patient recovery, and have significantly improved the prognosis,” notes Dr. Guillermo Gómez Oliveira.
Comprehensive Care and State-of-the-Art Technology
This new Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department at the Hospiten Rambla and Hospiten Bellevue University Hospitals offers a comprehensive approach to TMJ disorders thanks to the collaboration of specialists from various fields, including Dentistry, Orthodontics, Physical Therapy, and Neurology.
In addition, the department incorporates state-of-the-art imaging technology to make highly accurate diagnoses and design personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.
For the most complex cases, involving severe degeneration of the joint, the unit offers reconstructive surgery using custom-made TMJ prostheses—a solution that restores the ability to chew and speak and significantly improves quality of life.
“Jaw pain should not be considered normal. The sooner the problem is diagnosed, the greater the chances of preventing irreversible damage and offering less invasive and more effective treatments,” concludes Dr. Gómez Oliveira.
Patients requiring care in the specialty of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery can schedule appointments at Hospiten centers in Tenerife—located at the Hospiten Rambla, Hospiten Bellevue, and Hospiten Sur University Hospitals—as well as in Gran Canaria at Hospiten Roca.
With this addition, Hospiten reinforces its commitment to excellence in care, the adoption of cutting-edge technology, and the improvement of its services, focusing on specialized, innovative healthcare centered on the needs of each of its patients.
This article is an English translation generated with AI from the original Spanish content. While we review content for clarity, the information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis or treatment.