When to Consider TMJ Surgery

Your temporomandibular joints serve as the hinges of your jaw that allow you to open and close your mouth and move your lower jaw from side to side. When you develop a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, it can restrict your jaw movements and lead to persistent pain that interferes with eating and other activities.

Park Dental NYC understands the relationship between the health of your jaw and your general oral health. Our skilled dental team provides customized care plans to treat TMJ disorders that can help delay or prevent the need for surgery.

Yookyung Park, DDS, and Pat Ng-A-Fook, DDS, also provide personalized guidance for individuals with TMJ disorders who require surgery. They help you make the most informed decisions about when to consider surgery and which procedure is appropriate.

Why you have a TMJ disorder

The temporomandibular joints sit on each side of your head and connect your skull to your lower jaw.

The joints work in tandem with muscles to move your lower jawbone and are covered with a protective cartilage that promotes smooth jaw movements. There are also small discs inside the joint that absorb the shocks of chewing, talking, and other activities.

A TMJ disorder can develop from trauma to the jaw joints from a fall, sports injury, physical altercation, or car accident. You can also develop the disorder because of degenerative conditions like arthritis or from chronic teeth clenching or grinding (bruxism).

Symptoms of a TMJ disorder may initially be mild and occasional. However, they can gradually worsen over time without modification of activity or medical treatment. Common symptoms of TMJ include:

• Jaw tenderness and pain
• Earaches
• Headaches
• Neck pain
• Difficulties chewing or speaking
• Popping or grinding sensations when moving the jaw

In severe cases, a TMJ disorder can lead to the locking of one or both jaw joints, which prevents the opening or closing of your mouth.

When surgery may be necessary for a TMJ disorder

If your condition is mild, our Park Dental NYC team may initially recommend lifestyle changes, such as avoiding strenuous jaw movements by eating soft foods and performing gentle jaw stretching exercises. Physical therapy can be beneficial for moderate to severe TMJ symptoms.

We also offer custom mouthguards that fit over your teeth to relieve pressure on your jaw joints and prevent damage from teeth clenching or grinding while you sleep. Mouth guards are also available to protect your teeth and jaw from injuries associated with high-impact activities like sports.

When TMJ pain is severe, you may be unable to unlock your jaw, or your jaw joints are severely damaged by arthritis. In such cases, our dental experts may recommend surgery. There are several techniques, including minimally invasive arthroscopy, to repair or remove damaged bone and tissue from the temporomandibular joints.  You may also be a candidate for total joint replacement.

To avoid the need for surgery, we recommend that you meet with our team as early as possible to discuss your treatment options for TMJ symptoms. We offer comprehensive exams, including digital X-rays of your teeth and jawbone to identify TMJ issues before complications arise.

Call Park Dental NYC in Midtown East, Manhattan, New York, today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation of TMJ symptoms or book a consultation online.