Jaw discomfort, difficulty opening or closing your mouth, persistent headaches, migraines, and other related pains frequently accompany TMJ disorder (TMD). These symptoms can significantly diminish your quality of life — you deserve to receive timely, high-quality care! Although many people with TMD respond well to noninvasive therapies, some individuals require surgical intervention to find relief. If you are considering talking to an oral surgeon about potential surgery, you can be confident that they will do all they can to help you. But what can you expect from the treatment process? This blog post provides some helpful information.
Determining the Right Treatment Plan
Every case of TMD is unique, which is why your healthcare provider will thoroughly assess your situation before developing a treatment plan. Prior to recommending surgery, they will consider the following factors:
- Previous attempts at treatment. If conservative therapies have proven ineffective or inadequate, you are likely a candidate for surgery.
- Your level of pain. If your pain is significantly affecting your daily life and activities, a surgical procedure might be the most effective means of lasting relief.
- Your anatomy. If there are structural abnormalities or diseases affecting your jaw joints (TMJs), they can determine which type of surgery would be most effective for your case.
The Surgical Process
There is no single “TMJ surgery.” Indeed, there are a variety of procedures that can be suitable for TMD:
- Lysis and lavage: This method involves flushing the joint, which can help restore mobility and reduce discomfort.
- Arthroscopic arthroplasty: This is a minimally invasive surgery used both for diagnosis and to reposition a displaced disc within the joint.
- Open joint reconstructive surgery: This is a more extensive procedure that may involve smoothing joint surfaces, removing diseased tissue, and reshaping the joint as needed.
- Condylotomy: This surgical procedure can be used to stabilize the jaw joints and improve function.
Your surgical team will always opt for the least invasive yet most effective procedure that is appropriate for your condition. Anesthesia and sedation will be provided to ensure you remain comfortable and pain-free throughout your surgery.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery following TMJ surgery is influenced by several factors, including your overall health and the specific procedure that you underwent. During the healing period, you may be advised to:
- Get plenty of rest to aid your recovery.
- Follow a modified diet as recommended by your care team. Soft foods are best!
- Adhere closely to all other post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon.
Post-operative swelling and soreness should start to subside within several days, though it may take several weeks before you really start to notice the benefits of your surgery.
It is completely natural to feel apprehensive about TMJ surgery. However, with a skilled and trustworthy surgical team, the risks are minimal and the likelihood of a positive outcome is high. Hopefully, you will soon have a healthy and pain-free jaw!
Meet Our Practice
The team at Piney Point Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is led by four highly skilled oral surgeons, all of whom are experienced in performing a wide variety of complex procedures, including TMJ surgeries. If you have been dealing with ongoing jaw pain or other TMJ-related symptoms, we are ready to assist you. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, contact our Houston office at 713-783-5560.