Surgical TMJ Treatment as Part of Your Collaborative Care

Treatment Options

TMJ disorders are a very complex group of problems. No one treatment can resolve these disorders, and most commonly treatment requires time to be effective. Many times treatment is multi-disciplinary, in that it may require the involvement of multiple providers to give you the optimal results. It cannot be emphasized enough, treatment always works most effectively when you combine home care with professional care.

A variety of treatments are available for TMJ disorders. After an evaluation, a diagnosis will determine the most appropriate course. In most instances, the initial treatment goals are to relax the muscles and control the joint pain, commonly referred to conservative or non-surgical management. These include anti-inflammatory medications, steroids, or muscle relaxants. These medical treatments are always combined with some form of home care. Home care includes:

• Resting your jaw
• Eating a soft diet
• Applying warm and cold compresses
• Stretching your jaw
• Avoiding gum chewing or chewy foods
• Avoiding hard foods such as candy, nuts, and ice

As an additional form of treatment, physical therapy may be prescribed during the non-surgical phase of treatment. Moreover, your dentist may be asked to make a plastic appliance to be worn at night and/or during the day, sometimes called a splint or nightguard. Your dentist may also recommend an adjustment of your occlusion (bite) and even may recommend orthodontics.

The surgical phase of TMJ disorder treatment is only considered an option if: 1) the non-surgical phase has failed to provide relief; 2) if you continue to have difficulty opening your mouth; 3) if the joint is dislocated; or 4) if the joint has severe degeneration. Surgical options include:

• TMJ arthrocentesis
• TMJ arthroscopy
• Condylotomy
• Open TMJ arthroplasty
• Total joint replacement

Temporomandibular Joint Surgeries

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the very complicated joint which connects the lower jaw to the skull. TMJ disorders are complex, and many different treatments exist. In general, most peoples “TMJ” problems lie outside of the joints (muscular, dental, etc.). In some circumstances, however, surgery may be necessary to address this problem. Surgery is only considered if the other contributing factors have been managed. The surgical options range from simple injections to total joint replacement.