The 3 Types of TMJ Surgery

Arthroscopy is used to treat TMJ disorders as well. Your surgeon can use the following methods during this procedure:

• Washing out the joint
• Medication injection
• Scar tissue removal

Recovery and What to Expect After Surgery

Since arthroscopy only takes a small incision, the recovery time is often short. Even though this procedure is very successful, there are still some general complications to be aware of, as with any surgery. These complications might involve pain and swelling of the surgical site. You may also experience stiffness or tenderness in your jaw in the days after surgery. Numbness around the surgical site is also common due to temporary nerve damage.

It’s important to note that most of these complications are rare and usually resolve themselves over time.

At least 48 hours after your surgery, you will need to start physical therapy. This will help you maintain mobility in your jaw and prevent scar tissue from forming.

Am I a Candidate for TMJ Arthroscopy?

This type of TMJ surgery can be used to treat TMJ disorders where:

• Joint disease is causing a tissue or bone breakdown
• You have scar tissue
• The cartilage on the joint is too thick
• You have severe disc problems in the joint
• An injury has loosened the joint

You are not a good candidate if:

• There is swelling in the jaw that has not yet been diagnosed
• You have an infection
• You have a tumor
• You can only hear out of the ear on the same side as the joint that needs surgery

Obesity can also affect whether you are eligible for this type of TMJ surgery. Excess skin caused by obesity can make it difficult for the surgeon to access the jaw joint.

Open Joint Surgery

What is it?

Open joint surgery involves making an incision so your surgeon can access the joint directly. This incision is bigger than the one made for arthroscopy. This enables your surgeon to work on the joint itself. They are able to make repairs, reposition the disc, and even replace some parts of the joint. Open joint surgery is helpful when your joint is too difficult to reach with arthroscopy.

Recovery and What to Expect After Surgery

Since open joint surgery is more invasive than other types of TMJ surgery, recovery will be a little bit longer and will require an overnight hospital stay. If you are getting a total joint replacement, the hospital stay will be longer. The incision will require stitches that will need to come off after about a week.

You may experience some pain and swelling in front of your ear where the incision was made. Pain medication will be prescribed to help. You will also be given a splint that will help rehabilitate your jaw. Like with other types of TMJ surgery, you will need to start physical therapy 48 hours after surgery.

For the first week or so after surgery, you may find it difficult to open your mouth, so we recommend sticking to a soft food diet at first. As your face starts to heal, you will be able to eat regular food again.

Complications with this type of TMJ surgery are rare but can include:

• Bleeding and infection
• Facial nerve damage
• Reactions to artificial disc replacements

The success rate for open joint surgery is quite high. According to University of Michigan Health, this type of TMJ surgery has an 85 – 90% success rate. Since the surgeon is able to work directly on your joint, they are better able to solve the root of your TMJ pain. Most patients who get this type of surgery see an improvement in jaw function as well as reduced pain.

Am I a Candidate for Open Joint TMJ Surgery?

Since open joint surgery is more invasive than other types of TMJ surgery, it’s usually the last resort for treating TMJ disorders. It’s really only an option for patients who have problems with a joint that can’t be solved with any other methods. If you have bony growths or excess tissue, for example, open joint surgery can allow your surgeon to remove it. Open joint surgery is also the right type of TMJ surgery if the disc in your jaw joint has been damaged or displaced. Your surgeon will be able to repair it or reposition the disc, as needed. Depending on your situation, you may also need to have your joint completely replaced. As always, the benefits of open joint surgery will depend on your unique needs.