Maxillofacial Surgery for TMJ Disorders: Restoring Comfort and Function

TMJ disorders cause chronic pain and discomfort. Fortunately, an oral surgeon may perform maxillofacial surgery to treat these disorders, relieving pain and restoring mobility to the jaw. These procedures can also enhance the jaw's appearance. Find lasting comfort and improved jaw function with the help of maxillofacial surgery from an oral surgeon.

TMJ disorders explained

These jaw disorders are rooted in the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, which connects the skull and jawbone. Per the Mayo Clinic, the TMJ works like a sliding hinge, facilitated by cartilage and a small disk that ensures the smooth movement of the mechanism as a whole. Therefore, a TMJ disorder occurs when:

• The disk starts to erode
• The disk becomes misaligned
• Arthritis damages the cartilage
• An impact or injury damages the joint

Chronic teeth grinding or jaw clenching (bruxism) increases one's chances of developing a TMJ disorder. This is why dental professionals often recommend custom nightguards as part of treatment. Other early treatments include muscle relaxants and similar medications, physical therapy, Botox® injections, and education and counseling to help change behaviors that contribute to TMJ, like nail-biting. If these treatments do not improve a patient's symptoms, they may be referred to an oral surgeon for maxillofacial surgery.

How maxillofacial surgery can help

Maxillofacial surgery is a group of restorative procedures that focus on the face and jaw. Several types of surgical procedures may help treat TMJ disorders when other, more conservative treatments fail. The main goal of each is to relieve pain and restore comfort, function, and mobility to the jaw. Examples of these procedures include:

• Arthrocentesis. Irrigates fluid through the joint, treating inflammation.
• Modified condylotomy. Focuses on the lower part of the jaw to increase joint space.
• Open-joint surgery. Repairs or replaces the TMJ.

What to expect from maxillofacial surgery for TMJ disorders

Like any surgery, maxillofacial surgery requires some preparation and aftercare. The oral surgeon will provide detailed instructions tailored to the patient, their condition, and the specific procedure they will be undergoing. However, here are the basics of what most patients can expect before and after surgery:

Before: Finding the right procedure

The first step will always be a comprehensive consultation to determine whether the patient is a good candidate for maxillofacial surgery. The oral surgeon will examine the patient’s condition and order dental X-rays (and potentially other tests) to get a look at the jaw itself. The patient's medical history will also be discussed to identify any risk factors. (For example, blood-thinning medication will likely cause excessive bleeding during and after surgery.) The surgeon will then recommend the type of surgery best suited to restoring comfort and function to the patient’s jaw.

After: Rest and recovery

For better health outcomes after maxillofacial surgery, patients should plan to stay home the day of the procedure. The mouth will likely be inflamed and uncomfortable. Icing the area several times over the next 40 hours should help ease inflammation and discomfort. Eating a liquid and soft diet during this time will save the patient from aggravating the area, which could lead to improper healing.

The oral surgeon may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection of the surgical site, as well as pain medication for the first few days. They can also discuss how to clean the area as it heals. Finally, patients can expect to attend a follow-up appointment in which the surgeon will check up on the surgical site and jaw to ensure everything is healing as it should.

Consult an oral surgeon

Maxillofacial surgery can ease the pain of TMJ disorders and restore functionality to the jaw. Learn more about its benefits in a consultation with an oral surgeon. Simply call our Coon Rapids office today to book an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://www.northsideoms.com or call Northside Minnesota Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons at (763) 284-3159 for an appointment in our Coon Rapids office.