What is TMJ Surgical Arthroscopy?
TMJ arthroscopy is a type of surgery that is done to help diagnose TMJ disorders. Sometimes your TMJ specialist can even treat mild TMJ disorders while performing an arthroscopy.
TMJ arthroscopy involved making a small incision in the skin and threading a tiny camera through the hole. The camera helps the surgeon see exactly what is going on with your joint.
How Is The Operation Performed?
TMJ surgical arthroscopy is performed with a general anesthetic. Each joint takes around 20 minutes to complete. It can take about 2 hours if your surgeon decides to perform any other procedures while he’s looking at your jaw joint.
A small camera is inserted into an incision along the front of your ear. The surgeon will then inspect the jaw joint, cartilage, and ligaments for any signs of damage or wear and tear.
One or two needles will then be inserted into the incision to wash out any loose material. Another incision could be made so your TMJ specialist can treat scarring, improve joint surfaces, or stitch the cartilage to change its position.
Benefits of TMJ Arthroscopy
There are several benefits to TMJ arthroscopy. TMJ arthroscopy is a minimally invasive, quick procedure. It is one of the most effective ways to diagnose TMJ disorders without doing invasive, exploratory surgery. And we can both confirm what the problem is and potentially fix it at the same time.
What Are The Alternatives?
TMJ problems do not have to be diagnosed using arthroscopy. Other methods, such as CT scans and MRIs can be used to discover underlying TMJ issues.
Non-surgical procedures can be used to fix the problems as well. Rest, anti-inflammatory painkillers, and TMJ splints can also be helpful.
Muscle-relaxing medication and Botox injections can help with easing pain in the chewing muscles around the jaw. Steroid injections into the joint can also help with pain. It is imporant to know, however, that while these treatments can help to reduce pain, they are not permanent solutions.
What is Invovled in the Recovery Process?
You can usually return home on the same day. There will be some swelling and discomfort, but the worst of it will only last for a few hours after surgery.
To reduce chance of swelling or bleeding, it is advised to not do any strenuous activity, have a hot bath, or bend down for about 2 weeks.
Excercise will help you to return to normalcy quickly. Your surgeon might also give you some jaw stretching excercises to do as well.
Depending on the type of work you do, you should be able to return within a few days.
It’s Time to Solve Your TMJ Pain Once and for All.
If you have been suffering from TMJ pain and nothing has worked for you, it might be time to try TMJ surgical arthroscopy. At PRECiDENT, our team of dental surgeons will determine the cause of your pain is, and work with you to create a treament plan that fits what you need. To schedule a consultation, click the button below.