Though you should not turn to TMJ surgery as the 1st option for treatment, there does come a point when surgery may be the sole option you have left. In rare scenarios, it may be necessary.
For those handling severe problems, infrequently surgery can supply relief. Naturally, there are several differing kinds of surgery out there that can be done. If you are considering whether surgery is the right option for you, here’s a more detailed look at the surgical options you have available.
Arthrocentesis
This actually is the least invasive sort of TMJ surgery, and it includes irrigating your jaw joint. You are put out with general anesthesia and the medical procedure only takes a few minutes of time. Sometimes there is some swelling that occurs after the surgery. But if your TMJ discomfort is better after this procedure, it is considered successful. If the pain doesn’t depart, you may need one of the more aggressive surgeries to get the relief you need.
Disk Repositioning
Another type of TMJ surgery that could be a choice for you is sometimes known as disk repositioning. This surgery will require you to be put under general anesthesia and it takes roughly 2 hours. The disk is repositioned and stitched into the right spot and any ligaments or muscles that need fixed are looking after. It is actually possible that even after this surgery the disk will slip out once again, which could need more surgery.
TMJ Replacement
Last, TMJ replacement surgery is done if the joint is damaged and there is not any way to mend it. This TMJ surgery is to get rid of the old joint and put in a newer one. This could be a partial replacement or a total replacement. There are many risks to this surgery and it should really only be used as a final resort for people that have exhausted all their other alternatives. There is a long recovery time and it can take a considerable time to become used to the replacement joint.
It is vital to realize it’s rare that you would have to submit to surgery and the results are customarily not what they’re hyped up to be. We only do this type of surgery as a final resort and when all the other non surgical strategies have been attempted first.
You can find out more about tmj pain relief as well as much more information on everything to do with TMJ at Tmj Headache.