The temporomandibular joint acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull.
TMJ dysfunction can lead to painful jaw problems and reduced range of motion that can be difficult to treat.
This article discusses different types of TMJ surgery.
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Benefits of TMJ Surgery
The goals of TMJ surgery are to reduce pain and improve jaw function.
Open surgeriesinvolve larger incisions and longer recovery times than closed procedures.
However, for people with severe TMJ syndrome, open surgeries have more favorable results.
It does not require an incision.
Arthrocentesis for TMJ has an 80% success rate.
It involves tiny “keyhole” incisions that accommodate specialized surgical tools and a fiber-optic scope.
The procedure may take between 30 minutes and two hours.
Arthroscopic disc repair has a 94% success rate.
The procedure involves larger incisions and longer recovery times than arthroscopy.
It is performed undergeneral anesthesiaand often requires a hospital stay.
Arthrotomy is performed as follows:
The surgery may last one to two hours.
You may be able to go home the same day or you may require a short hospital stay.
TMJ arthrotomy/arthroplasty has success rates between 79% and 89%.
Joint replacement
Joint replacement is anopen surgeryused to treat people with severe TMJ syndrome.
During the surgery, part or all of the temporomandibular joint is replaced.
It is performed under general anesthesia.
Anopen surgeryinvolving larger incisions and longer recovery times.
Although this is a major surgery, the results may be more favorable for people with severe TMJ syndrome.
Surgeries requiring general anesthesia may require an overnight hospital stay for observation.
After joint replacement surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital for up to five days.
When you are discharged, you may be prescribed pain medicine to take at home.
Your jaw joint and the area around it will be numb or temporarily paralyzed.
This is triggered by the anesthetic and should last for a few hours.
How Soon Will I Recover From TMJ Surgery?
The amount of time it takes to recover after TMJ surgery depends on the procedure.
Your jaw will probably be sore for a few days after closed procedures.
Discomfort and swelling can last a week or more after surgery.
For minor procedures, this might be the next day.
Your stitches may dissolve on their own or need to be removed at a follow-up appointment.
With most TMJ surgeries, youll experience swelling, bruising, jaw pain, and tenderness.
It may also be easier to eat smaller amounts of food every few hours rather than three large meals.
Over time, artificial implants can break or malfunction.
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