TMJ surgery is typically reserved for the most severe types of joint disorder. The standard of care is to first pursue non-invasive and therapeutic options for treating TMJ disorder. These include things like massage, physical therapy, orthodontic treatments, warm compresses, dietary changes, bite splints, injectables, and bite rehabilitation.
If for any reason these measures are not effective or do not offer TMJ pain relief, then we may recommend oral surgery on the joint. One example of when surgery is needed is if there are structural irregularities inside of the TMJ itself, which we can see on a CT scan or X-ray.
Deciding to get oral surgery for TMJ needs to be a well-thought-out process and requires lengthy recovery time. In most cases, a team of dental providers or surgeons will evaluate your jaw to determine the best type of surgery and create a care plan for you to review. Surgery is usually one of the last recommended treatment options for TMD, and only when there’s severe discomfort or the condition interferes with your daily quality of life.