MINIMALLY INVASIVE TMJ SURGERY

• Most (roughly 90%) of TMJ disorders involve only the muscles of the mouth and face and not the actual TMJ. These disorders require no surgical treatment and can most often be managed through the following recommendation:
  1. Night Guards and Splints
     • More recent research reveals that splints and night guards are not as helpful as once believed for the treatment of TMD.  However, if you clench or grind your teeth, splints or guards are invaluable resources to protect your teeth from damage while clenching or grinding.   
  2. Physical Therapy
     • As with other joints in your body, strengthening the area and improving Range of Motion (ROM) are crucial in the treatment in TMJ disorders.
  3. Home Care
     • Soft Foods
     • Anti-inflammatory medications
       • Naproxen or Ibuprofen
     • Stress Management
  4. Relaxation Techniques

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• Surgical Treatment
  • Only 10% or less of TMD disorders require surgical intervention.  These disorders typically involve the Temporomandibular Joint itself and not merely the muscles of the jaw and face.  
  • When there is displacement of the TMJ disc, damage to the disc, or significant inflammation in the joint then surgical procedures are indicated. 
  • Our TMJ Specialist prefers Minimally Invasive TMJ Surgery whenever possible.

WHAT IS MINIMALLY INVASIVE TMJ SURGERY?

• Avoiding Surgery Whenever Possible 
• Using surgical procedures that minimize large incisions that result in more scarring, pain, swelling, and recovery. 
• Minimally Invasive TMJ Surgical Procedures offered at Cosmo Dental:
  • Arthrocentesis and Arthroscopy
    • Surgical procedures avoiding incisions and utilizing only 1-3 needle punctures around your TMJ to irrigate the site, remove harmful inflammation, and improve scarring that may be present. 

• Arthrocentesis:
  • This technique can be performed in the office under local anesthetic or IV sedation.  It involves the placement of two needles into the TMJ that allow irrigation of the joint and placement of medications only. 

• Arthroscopy: 
  • This technique is similar to arthrocentesis but is an outpatient hospital procedure that involves the placement of slightly larger instruments into the joint.  One of these instruments is a small camera that allows visualization of the joint to better see, diagnose, and treat conditions of the TMJ.  

• This technique is the main procedure utilized in Minimally invasive TMJ surgery as it allows the best of both worlds-actually being able to see into the joint to better treat disorders while causing minimal trauma and having only tiny puncture sites without incisions

If your TMJ disorder has caused problems with how your teeth fit together you may need treatment such as bite adjustment (equilibration), orthodontics with or without jaw reconstruction, or restorative dental work. Surgical options, such as arthroscopy and open joint repair restructuring, are sometimes needed, but are reserved for severe cases. Our doctor’s do not consider TMJ surgery unless the jaw can’t open, is dislocated and non-reducible, has severe degeneration, or the patient has undergone appliance treatment unsuccessfully.

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If you’re tired of hurting and these symptoms are affecting your quality of life, call our office today.

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