Research Strategy Paper Gen 200

The temporomandibular joint connects the lower jaw, called the mandible, to the temporal bone at the side of the head. When you place your fingers just in front of your ears and open your mouth, you can feel the joint on each side of your head. These flexible joints allow the jaw to move smoothly up and down and side-to-side, enabling speech, chewing, and yawning. (V. Jerolimov 2009) Some people have problems with these joints; this disorder is called TMD, temporomandibular joint disorder. I have been diagnosed with TMD, and have experienced dislocation of the jaw. My TMD has been getting much worse over the last few months. For example through out the day when I eat my jaw will lock or get stuck which often gives me pain. Simple tasks such as brushing my teeth have become more difficult for me to accomplish without experiencing discomfort. I need to decide if the corrective jaw surgery is right for me.

I will need information on surgical costs, recovery period, how much time I will be off work and school, what are the risks of this kind of surgery, what are the benefits, and I need to know if there are other treatment options besides surgery. I can find this information at various sources such as my insurance membership services department to determine any out- of -pocket expenses. I will also arrange for a consultation with my physician to determine the likely time needed for recovery and when I will most likely be able to resume work and school. I will review medical journal using the University of Phoenix library to understand the disorder and review the recommended corrective procedures. I will seek a second opinion with a different physician to verify information that the previous doctor told me.