If you suffer from severe jaw pain, you should certainly seek professional care right away. You might be diagnosed with TMJ disorder (TMD). In most cases, this condition can be addressed via conservative, noninvasive means. Sometimes, though, surgery is necessary. What can you expect if you need to undergo TMJ surgery? This blog post provides an overview of the process.
Treatment Planning
Every case of TMD is unique, so your doctor will strive to learn all they can about your situation before they move forward with surgery. First, they will determine whether surgery is truly necessary. It may be right for you if:
- More conservative TMD treatments have proven insufficient.
- Your pain is severe enough to interfere with your quality of life.
- You cannot completely open or close your mouth.
- You have been diagnosed with specific structural problems or diseases within your jaw joint (called the TMJ).
Once you have been approved for surgery, your doctor will plan the details of your procedure.
The Surgical Process
There are a few different surgical procedures that can be used to address TMD, including:
- Arthroscopy. This uses a tiny telescopic instrument to help diagnose joint problems. Often, minor issues can be addressed at the same time as the exploratory procedure.
- Arthroplasty. This procedure can be used to return a displaced disc into its proper position or correct other specific issues.
- Joint replacement. In some cases, a severely damaged TMJ can be replaced with a prosthetic joint.
Whichever type of surgery you undergo, you can expect to feel little to nothing thanks to the help of anesthesia. Often, TMJ surgical procedures are performed under general anesthesia.
Recovery
The recovery time for TMJ surgery varies depending on a patient’s health and the specific procedure they underwent. You should be diligent about following your doctor’s postop instructions. You may need to do things like get plenty of rest, eat a modified diet, and take certain medications.
As you heal from the procedure, you should gradually notice improvements in the way your jaw functions and feels.
It is normal if you are a little nervous about undergoing TMJ surgery, but the benefits you may experience should make the procedure well worth it!
Meet the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Pamela West, our practice offers numerous treatments for TMD. In severe cases, we can help patients arrange for surgical intervention. If you are struggling with severe jaw pain and related symptoms, we are ready to help. Contact our Las Vegas office at 702-602-2000.