TMJ Surgery
Open TMJ Surgery
Direct surgical access to the jaw joint for conditions not suitable for minimally invasive treatment.
Overview
Direct surgical access to the jaw joint for conditions not suitable for minimally invasive treatment.
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
- Advanced internal derangement
- Ankylosis
- Joint tumours
- Recurrent dislocation
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
The joint is accessed through an incision placed in the natural skin crease in front of the ear. This allows procedures such as disc repositioning, removal of diseased tissue or release of ankylosis.
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.