TMJ MANAGEMENT + SURGERY
Dr. Garg is highly experienced in the effective management of conditions relating to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located where the lower jaw meets the base of the skull on each side of your head. Due to its ability to allow your jaw to move up and down, side to side and back to front, it is one of the most complex joints in the human body and can often be the cause of a range of symptoms within the jaw and facial structure.
About four out of every ten people experience signs of TMJ disorder at some point in their lives, with one out of those four people being aware that these symptoms relate to TMJ disorder.
FOR A DETAILED GUIDE ON JAW JOINT REPLACEMENT, PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE TMJ SURGICAL GUIDELINE
(Warning: Graphical anatomical / surgical images)
What causes TMJ disorder?
In most cases degeneration of the jaw joint or trauma through injury or accident. Joint degeneration can occur due to degenerative disorders such as arthritis and even through emotional and physical stress. Often a TMJ disorder will develop through clenching and grinding your teeth, or even through stress on the jaw via a misaligned bite.
What are the surgical treatment options for TMJ disorder?
Where possible, Dr.Garg prefers minimally invasive and non-surgical options to manage TMJ disorders and associated pain or discomfort.
The aim of surgical TMJ treatment is to reduce or eliminate symptoms and improve jaw function. Surgery will only be performed if all other conservative, non-surgical options have been exhausted without any success and when the TMJ is causing chronic pain and disfunction.
Surgical treatment options include:
Arthrocentesis and lavage – Essentially this is a washing out procedure that can help to remove inflammatory products, improving symptoms of pain and locking in the jaw.
Arthrotomy – This is a form of open surgery that allows for examination and biopsy of tissue. After surgery, arch bars may be attached to the teeth to control the bite and help healing.
Total TMJ replacement – In severe cases and when all other options are exhausted, the TMJ may need to be replaced. The TMJ is replaced with an alloy prosthesis that helps to improve function and quality of life for the patient.