Signs That You Need TMJ Surgery
Your skull and jaw bone meet in your temporomandibular joint or TMJ. Your TMJ is at work whenever you yawn, chew, or speak. Whenever this is any misalignment, you could develop uncomfortable pain. If you feel stiffness or sharp pains, it might be time to seek TMJ treatment. However, complications might arise, prompting questions like “What is TMJ surgery?” and “Can TMJ be fixed?” Your TMJ disorder treatment may not require surgery, but sometimes TMJ surgery is necessary in extreme TMJ disorder cases. Here’s how to know if you need surgery.
Symptoms That Indicate a Need for Surgery
If your daily life is being negatively affected by your TMJ pain, you should visit a doctor or a dentist. After a detailed examination, they will determine whether you’re a candidate for surgery. A major qualifying symptom is the inability to open and close your mouth because of the pain levels. This makes eating and speaking difficult, both critical activities for almost every part of daily life. A doctor might recommend surgery as a TMJ pain treatment in these cases. Can TMJ be fixed entirely with surgery? It often can, but it depends on the individual case.
There are some non-surgical options for healing TMJ pain, but surgery is necessary in extreme TMJ cases. Speak with your dentist or doctor to determine your right action and understand what TMJ surgery is.
What to Expect from TMJ Surgery
TMJ surgery cost can vary based on the complexity and type of the procedure. Surgical TMJ treatment can greatly relieve pain in people who have spent weeks and months. There are several different types of surgery available to TMJ sufferers. The first is called arthrocentesis, and this is the least invasive TMJ disorder treatment. Tiny needles insert fluid into your joints to help remove any inflammatory debris. This procedure is sometimes referred to as TMJ arthroscopy. You don’t even have to stay in the hospital and can be back on your feet quickly.
For bigger problems, more intense TMJ jaw surgery is required for effective TMJ pain treatment. The first type is modified condyloma, where your surgeon focuses on the mandible instead of the joint. Many people report a decrease in pain after this type of surgery. Another type is called more complex disc repositioning. This TMJ surgery requires stitches and a hospital stay. Finally, there is open-joint surgery. Your surgeon may replace the entire joint if it’s necessary. This surgery is complex and comes with more risks. As such, you should have a lengthy discussion with your doctor and plan for a long and slow recovery.
Surgery can be an effective solution for people seeking TMJ pain treatment. Make sure you speak to a professional about your pain to choose the right healing process for your body.
