Living with temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, can be uncomfortable and frustrating. In addition to jaw pain, you might experience headaches and difficulty chewing. If you’re struggling to find relief, it’s crucial to make an appointment with your dentist. In some cases, they may recommend oral surgery to treat TMJ syndrome. Here are a few signs you could benefit from this procedure as well as what to expect. 

What to Know About TMJ Syndrome & Surgery

When Might Surgery Be Necessary to Treat TMJ?

There are a variety of treatments that dentists will use to treat TMJ. These include care like night guards, ice, physical therapy, and massage. They might also prescribe medications like muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatories. Lifestyle changes and behavior modification, such as avoiding hard foods and stress management, can also help this condition. If these treatments and therapies do not help your TMJ, your dentist may recommend surgery. Generally, surgical correction is a last resort, but it can be effective for some patients. 

What Does This Surgery Involve?

The specifics of the procedure will depend on the type of oral surgery you undergo. The least invasive surgery is called arthrocentesis, in which your surgeon will insert a small needle into your jaw joint to remove debris and lubricate the area with fluid. Your oral surgeon may also want to perform an arthroscopy. During this procedure, they will place a small tube into the jaw joint and use small instruments to repair the joint. More invasive treatments include joint replacement, a condylotomy, and a discectomy. 

The type of surgery your provider recommends will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause of your TMJ syndrome. As with most oral surgery procedures, there will be a recovery period and the possibility of complications. Carefully discuss your health history, current medications, and proper aftercare with your oral surgeon before deciding on a procedure.

To learn more about your TMJ treatment options, schedule an appointment with the professionals at Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska, LLC. Dr. William F. Bergeron, Jr. and Dr. Ray Holloway specialize in a wide variety of surgical procedures, helping patients in Anchorage, AK, manage their oral wellness. They offer wisdom teeth removal, bone grafts, jaw surgery, facial trauma recovery, and more. To view a full list of their services, visit them online. Call (907) 561-1430 with any questions and to schedule a consultation for oral surgery today.