Temporomandibular joint surgery is a procedure to eliminate disorders in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the lower jaw to the skull. Thanks to these procedures, the relevant joint can perform important functions such as speaking, chewing, and yawning without any problems.

In TMJ disorders, conservative methods such as lifestyle changes, medications and physical therapy are first applied. If the desired result cannot be obtained from these methods, temporomandibular joint surgery relieves the discomfort.

What is Temporomandibular Joint Surgery?

Temporomandibular joint surgery, also known as TMJ surgery, aims to treat and eliminate TMJ disorders. The surgical procedure may be major or minor, depending on the patient’s condition. TMJ surgery is a procedure that has different types. Common types and details about them are as follows:

1 – Temporomandibular Joint Surgery: Arthroscopy

A small camera is inserted into the joint to examine its inside, and treatment is planned based on the images obtained. This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure.

2 – Arthroplasty

It is a procedure that aims to change the joint surfaces. It is preferred in cases originating from the joint surfaces, ensuring the joints function smoothly again.

3 – Temporomandibular Joint Surgery: Condylectomy

It aims to reshape the joint head.

4 – Discectomy

Here, the articular disc is removed or repositioned.

5 – Temporomandibular Joint Surgery: Joint Replacement

It is a surgical procedure performed to replace the joint completely.

Procedures such as arthroplasty and arthroscopy are considered minor surgeries and are used in cases that do not progress. Joint replacement, condylectomy, and discectomy are major surgical procedures. These methods are mostly applied in advanced cases and are much more comprehensive.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Symptoms

TMJ disorder symptoms vary from patient to patient. However, this disease usually manifests itself with limited lower jaw movements, pain in the relevant area, and joint noise. In addition, symptoms such as headache, hearing loss, tinnitus and dizziness may also be observed. Other common symptoms can be listed as follows:

• Inability to open the mouth fully
• Slipping in the mouth
• Stuck or locking jaw
• Significant sensitivity in the jaw muscles
• Feeling pain in the joint while eating or talking

 

Causes of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (Temporomandibular Joint Surgery)

The temporomandibular joint is between the mandible (lower jaw) and the temporal bone (temporal bone). TMJ is one of the most mobile joints in the human body, and disorders may occur in the relevant joint depending on different factors. Common causes are as follows:

• Bruxism (constant clenching of teeth, grinding at night)
• Dental diseases
• Continuous chewing on one side
• Long-term posture disorders (positions where the head and shoulders are forward)
• Sadness and stress
• Jaw-closing disorders due to reasons such as missing teeth, high fillings or incorrect dental treatment
• Trauma
• Congenital problems
• Tumor and infectious diseases

The common reasons are as follows. However, each patient’s situation is unique and the reasons may vary from patient to patient.

How is Temporomandibular Joint Surgery Performed?

Temporomandibular joint surgery is performed with local or general anesthesia, depending on the scope of the procedure. Local anesthesia is preferred for minor surgical procedures, and general anesthesia is preferred for major surgical procedures. However, depending on the patient’s condition, there may be some exceptions to this.

Temporomandibular joint surgery consists of some stages within itself. Details of these stages are shown in the table below.

Process	Explanation
Consultation	TMJ patients are evaluated to see if they are suitable candidates for surgery. This surgery is performed on patients who have completed their bone development and cannot get results from conservative treatments.
Anesthesia	Local or general anesthesia is applied depending on the scope of the procedure to be performed on the patient.
Surgical Procedure	Depending on the patient’s condition, an incision is made to reach the relevant area and the necessary procedures are performed. Different surgical procedures depend on the patient’s condition, such as repositioning the discs or completely replacing the joint. Finally, the incisions are closed and the procedure is completed.
Healing Process	The incisions on patients usually heal within two weeks. Joint healing is completed in different periods depending on the scope of the procedures performed.

What are the Risks of Temporomandibular Joint Surgery?

As with every surgery, there are some risks in temporomandibular joint surgery. The most prominent of these risks can be listed as follows:

• Risks related to anesthesia
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Healing problems in incisions
• Nerve damage
• Unwanted fractures
• Malocclusion of teeth
• Need for a new surgery
• Occurrence of temporary and permanent problems in chewing and speaking functions

Some of the risks here are extremely serious and permanent. For example, if the motor nerves passing through the face are damaged, partial paralysis occurs in a part of the face, making it impossible to move that area.

Those with jaw joint surgery are informed in detail about these risks before the procedure. Patients consider these issues before deciding on a surgical procedure and make their decisions accordingly.

Choosing the right doctor is very important to minimize these risks. For your questions about temporomandibular joint surgery, contact us anytime and get detailed information.

Temporomandibular Joint Surgery Prices

Temporomandibular joint surgery is a procedure that has different types. Therefore, giving exact figures about jaw joint surgery prices is impossible. It should also be noted that there are different factors that affect prices.

Each patient’s condition is different, and the difficulty of the surgery varies depending on the patient. In addition, depending on the person’s condition, whether open or closed jaw joint surgery is performed also affects the prices. The doctor’s experience, the medical infrastructure of the clinic, and similar details also affect the numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Temporomandibular Joint Surgery

Frequently asked questions about temporomandibular joint surgery and their answers are listed below.

1 – Has Anyone Had Jaw Joint Surgery?

Jawbone surgery has been used for a long time. It is preferred for the treatment of jaw joint problems that cannot be resolved with medication, bite plates, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. Those who have TMJ surgery permanently eliminate this problem.

2 – What is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)?

TMJ disorders are problems in the joints connecting the lower jaw and the temporal bone. The TMJ is one of the most mobile joints in the human body, and discomfort may occur here for different reasons. The resulting discomfort causes functional problems in the joint. Patients experience symptoms such as speech and chewing problems, earaches, and headaches.

3 – How is TMJ Surgery Performed?

Temporomandibular joint surgery has different types and is performed with local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s condition. Again, depending on the patient’s condition and the doctor’s decision, the operation can be open or closed.

4 – Can TMJ Surgery be Performed Closed?

TMJ surgery can be performed open or closed. The doctor’s decision based on the patient’s condition determines which method will be used. So, the closed method may only be suitable for some patients.

5 – Which Doctor Should You See for Temporomandibular Joint?

For TMJ disorders, you should be examined by doctors in the maxillofacial surgery department. The oral and maxillofacial surgeon carries out the necessary planning according to the patient’s condition.