Jaw Surgery For TMJ Who Is A Candidate And What To Expect

The jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement are affected by temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). It can cause pain, difficulty chewing, and limited jaw movement. In severe cases, TMJ can even cause the jaw to lock in position. In some cases, jaw surgery may be recommended as a treatment option for TMJ. At VITAL, we offer a range of dental services, including dental implants in Dwarka and treatment options for TMJ. Our team of experienced dentists in Dwarka Sector 6 can help determine if jaw surgery for TMJ is the right option for you and provide guidance on what to expect from the procedure.

 

 Who Is A Candidate For Jaw Surgery For TMJ?

 

Jaw surgery for TMJ is typically considered for patients who have severe TMJ that has not responded to more conservative treatments. Conservative treatments for TMJ may include the use of a mouthguard, physical therapy, and medications to manage pain and inflammation.

 

Jaw surgery may also be considered for patients who have structural abnormalities in their jaw or jaw joints that are contributing to their TMJ. These abnormalities may include:

• A misaligned jaw
• Arthritis in the jaw joint
• Damage to the jaw joint due to injury or trauma
• An overgrowth of bone in the jaw joint

Before recommending jaw surgery, your doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation of your TMJ symptoms, medical history, and overall health. They will also perform imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to get a better look at the structures in your jaw joint.

What To Expect From Jaw Surgery For TMJ?

Jaw surgery for TMJ is typically performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The procedure may involve several different techniques depending on the specific issues with your jaw joint. Some common techniques used in jaw surgery for TMJ include:

• Arthroscopy: This involves using a small camera to see inside the jaw joint and perform repairs or removal of damaged tissue.
• Open-joint surgery: This involves making an incision in the skin and muscles of the jaw to access the joint and make repairs.
• Total joint replacement: This involves replacing the entire jaw joint with an artificial joint.

TMJ jaw surgery is usually done under general anaesthesia, which means you will be asleep during the procedure.. The surgery may take several hours to complete depending on the specific techniques used. After the surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital overnight for observation. You can expect to experience some pain and swelling in the jaw and face after the surgery, and your doctor may prescribe pain medications to manage these symptoms. 

Conclusion

Jaw surgery for TMJ is a treatment option for patients who have severe TMJ that has not responded to more conservative treatments or have structural abnormalities in their jaw or jaw joint that are contributing to their TMJ. The procedure may involve several different techniques depending on the specific issues with your jaw joint, and you can expect to experience some pain and swelling after the surgery. It is important to follow all of your doctor's instructions for post-operative care to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.