In the event that conservative and less invasive therapies, such as oral splints or mouthguards, are unsuccessful in lessening the intensity of your symptoms, surgery may be utilized to treat a TMJ issue. For certain individuals, surgery could be necessary to regain full TMJ function. For this reason, we will go into more detail about TMJ surgery in this section.

Who is the right candidate for TMJ surgery?

You may need TMJ surgery if any of the following apply to you:

• You have regular, severe discomfort or soreness when you close or open your mouth
• Your mouth cannot fully open or close
• Your jaw pain or stiffness prevents you from eating or drinking
• Your pain or immobility worsens over time, despite rest or other nonsurgical therapies
• Imaging tests, such as an MRI, have revealed that you have specific structural issues with or diseases in your jaw joint

You are not a good candidate for TMJ surgery if any of the following apply to your situation:

• You can fully open and close your jaw
• Your TMJ symptoms aren’t that bad
• Your symptoms aren’t consistent

The types of TMJ surgeries

The TMJ surgical options available for you include:

• TMJ arthroscopy: This minimally invasive treatment is carried out through a small incision. Treatment can entail removing a bone spur or fixing the TMJ disk.
• Arthrocentesis: Surgeons perform this minimally invasive technique by inserting needles into the jaw to flush sterile fluid into the joint. The procedure purges the joint of any inflammatory agents and cleans it.
• Modified condylotomy: This procedure opens up the joints in the mouth in order to stop the jaw from locking.
• Open joint surgery (also known as arthroplasty or arthrotomy): This more invasive treatment entails the surgeon attempting to repair the joint or disk inside it. Both general anesthesia and a night in the hospital are necessary for the procedure.
• Joint replacement: The TMJ may be completely replaced with a prosthetic during this invasive treatment, or just a portion of it. Furthermore, general anesthesia as well as an overnight hospital stay are necessary for this procedure.

What is the recovery from the surgeries like?

The length of recovery following TMJ surgery varies by patient and type of procedure. The majority of TMJ operations are outpatient procedures, so you’ll be able to leave the hospital and return home the same day.

The American Association of TMJ Surgeons states that the following recovery times are usual for the procedures:

• Arthrocentesis and TMJ arthroscopy: The patients will probably need 1-2 days of relaxation at home after these procedures.
• Modified condylotomy: This procedure needs two to three weeks of healing time, during which a person’s jaw may be held in place by wires, splints, or bands.
• Open joint surgery and joint replacement: A complete recovery may take between 2 and 6 weeks.

The TMJ Association advises against hastening the healing process because doing so could further harm the jaw.

Let Dr. Sid Solomon assist you

It’s crucial to have your mouth examined by a dentist or oral surgeon with experience in TMD. Call Time To Smile in Los Angeles at (310) 475-5598 right away to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sid Solomon, where you will discuss your symptoms and see whether you are a good candidate for surgery.

The American Dental Association has authorized all of our TMJ treatments and procedures. Surface electromyography (SEMG), computer mandibular scanning (CMS), and sonography with a K7 unit are all used in gnathological neuromuscular dentistry and neuromuscular dentistry to identify the patient’s optimal bite.