TMJ Surgery
Disc Procedures
Surgical management of a displaced or damaged articular disc.
Overview
Surgical management of a displaced or damaged articular disc.
Every recommendation follows an individual assessment of your concerns, anatomy and goals. The sections below explain how this treatment is typically diagnosed, planned and carried out.
Who May Benefit
- Patients with jaw joint conditions that have not responded adequately to non-surgical care
- Patients with mechanical joint problems such as locking or restricted opening
- Patients with structural joint disease identified on imaging
- Selected patients with joint conditions affecting facial growth or symmetry
Conditions Treated
- Disc displacement with or without reduction
- Closed lock
- Disc perforation
Diagnosis
Most jaw joint symptoms are managed without surgery. Assessment includes a detailed history, examination of jaw movement, muscles and bite, and imaging such as MRI or CBCT where indicated. Surgery is considered for selected patients once the diagnosis is clear.
Treatment Planning
Treatment usually follows a stepwise approach, starting with conservative measures such as physiotherapy, splints or medication, and progressing to minimally invasive or open procedures only when indicated. Collaboration with other specialists may be part of the plan.
Virtual Planning
3D Planning
For reconstructive joint procedures, 3D imaging can be used to design patient-specific joint prostheses and cutting guides, and to plan combined joint and jaw surgery when needed.
Surgical Overview
Depending on the disc condition, options may include repositioning and anchoring the disc, repair, or removal with or without an interpositional graft.
Recovery
Recovery varies from days for arthrocentesis and arthroscopy to several weeks for open joint surgery or reconstruction. Structured jaw exercises and physiotherapy are often an important part of recovery.
Risks & Considerations
All surgery carries risk. Potential risks are discussed in detail during consultation, and may include:
- Swelling and discomfort around the joint
- Temporary change in the bite
- Facial nerve weakness, usually temporary, with open procedures
- Persistence or recurrence of symptoms
- Infection
- Risks associated with anaesthesia
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every jaw joint problem need surgery?
No. The majority of TMJ symptoms improve with non-surgical care. Surgery is reserved for selected conditions where there is a clear structural or mechanical cause.
What imaging will I need?
MRI is commonly used to assess the disc and soft tissues, while CBCT or CT is used to assess bone. The imaging requested depends on the clinical findings.
The information on this website is for general educational purposes and does not replace a consultation. Suitability for any procedure, and its potential benefits and risks, can only be determined following an individual clinical assessment. Individual results vary.
Discuss your options with Dr. Bakri
A consultation is the first step toward an accurate diagnosis and an individual plan.