Jaw Movement Causing Tinnitus and/or Clogged Ear Sensation

Not uncommonly, a patient can present with complaints of tinnitus , clogged ears , and hearing loss influenced by jaw movement. Specifically, opening or clenching the mouth excessively makes the tinnitus and clogged ear sensation worse. Relaxing the jaw decreases these symptoms. For some ear symptoms, contraction of the middle ear muscles ( stapedius and tensor tympani ) may contribute to "muffling" of sounds. Inflammation of the jaw joint can lead to ear pain ... but some other…

5/25/2016 1

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How a Tracheostomy Hole Heals Closed (Time Lapse)

When a patient undergoes a tracheostomy , it is not a permanent thing. Once a patient is healthy enough, the tracheostomy tube can be removed and the existing hole in the throat will spontaneously start to heal closed. In a process called healing by secondary intention, the body creates granulation tissue along with scarring that slowly but surely closes the trach opening shut. In the rare situation it does not completely close, a surgical procedure can be performed. Here are some pictures…

12/18/2014 5

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Does Upper Lip Tie Removal Help Prevent Upper Front Teeth Gap?

It is not uncommon that I see a newborn or young child for upper lip tie with a specific parental concern for development (or existence) of a gap between the two upper front teeth. Also known as maxillary midline diastema , this condition is extremely common being present in up to 50%+ of children between ages 6 and 8. It should be mentioned that upper lip tie frenulectomy  (or frenectomy) is the complete removal of the upper lip tie surgically which is different from upper lip tie release…

8/24/2014 1

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Hole in Tonsil Area After Tonsillectomy

Rarely, a patient may notice a hole in the mucosa in the area where the tonsil used to be after removal ( tonsillectomy ). This hole typically is located in the anterior tonsil pillar as shown in the picture to the right. Less commonly, the hole may occur on the posterior tonsil pillar as shown below. Typically, this hole appears not immediately after surgery, but 5-10 days afterwards. Known as a fistula, this is a temporary situation as this hole will almost always close up over several …

8/22/2014 1

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