TM Joint Surgery

What Is TM Joint Surgery | Temporomandibular Joint | Jaw Joint Surgery

Tempromandibular joint disorder (TMJ disorder) is a condition that makes your jaw painful, stiff, or unable to move fully. TMJ surgery is a process used to treat this disorder. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge-like joint where your jawbone and brain meet. It lets your jaw move up and down so you can talk, chew, and do other things with your mouth.

TMJ surgery is a highly specialized procedure within the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery. It requires a high level of expertise, and only the most skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeons are qualified to perform it. Mastery of this type of surgery takes years of dedicated practice. The most common surgeries involving the TMJ are those related to fractures and reconstruction of the TMJ. These surgeries are intricate and are typically performed by seasoned surgeons due to the dynamic nature of the joint, which adds an additional layer of complexity to the procedure.

TMJ Disorder Symptoms and Causes

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, also known as TMD, is a group of conditions that affect the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

  • Jaw pain or tenderness in jaw
  • Jaw popping or clicking
  • Pain in one or both TM Joints
  • Headaches
  • Aching pain in and around the ear
  • Migraines
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Earaches
  • Toothache
  • Jaw locking
  • Tinnitus
  • Malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth)

The exact cause of TMJ disorder is often unknown, but it may be due to a combination of factors, such as genetics, arthritis, jaw injury, or habits like teeth clenching or grinding. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of TMJ disorder, it’s important to see a doctor or dentist for diagnosis and treatment. There are a variety of treatments available, depending on the severity of your condition and the underlying cause.

TMJ Disorder Treatment

Effective Non-Invasive and Invasive Options

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are a group of conditions that affect the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. They can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain, clicking, popping, and locking.

TMJ disorders can often be managed with non-invasive treatments, such as:

  • Pain relievers and muscle relaxants: These medications can help alleviate pain and relax the jaw muscles.
  • Resting the jaw joint:This can be achieved by eating soft foods, avoiding chewing gum, and preventing the mouth from opening too wide.
  • Orthodontic treatments: Correcting the alignment of the teeth and jaw can help alleviate TMJ symptoms.
  • Relaxation and stress-reducing therapies: These can help reduce muscle tension in the jaw.
  • Splints or ‘bite guards’: Worn at night, these devices can reduce teeth clenching and grinding.
  • Physiotherapy and gentle jaw exercises: These can help improve jaw mobility and reduce pain.
  • If arthritis or other medical conditions are causing TMJ symptoms, treating those conditions can help alleviate the TMJ disorder.

TMJ Growth Defects

Some persons, by birth, may be affected by disorders of the TMJ. In some instances, the growth of the condyle i.e. the component of the lower jaw forming a part of the TMJ may be affected.

Micrognathia

A child’s lower jaw may sometimes be comparatively undersized than the upper jaw. This condition is termed as Micrognathia. The growth of muscles would also be simultaneously affected as the bony structure is smaller than normal. This condition could also be associated with various syndromes (Pierre-Robin’s Syndrome, Treacher Collin’s Syndrome etc). As the lower jaw is small, the tongue gets pushed backwards and tends to block the air passage. Distraction Osteogenesis is an effective treatment option to lengthen the jaw size. By this procedure the jaw can be brought to the normal size, without the necessity of bone grafting (bone harvested from hip bone to lengthen the jaw size).

Hemifacial Microsomia

In some individuals, there may be an imbalance between right and left sides of the face. This type of facial growth deformity characterized by facial asymmetry is called Hemifacial Microsomia. In this condition, the structures of one side of the face grow lesser than the other side. This results in asymmetry of the face. The affected side of the face appears disproportionately smaller than the other.

TMJ Ankylosis

TMJ Ankylosis Surgery – A Comprehensive Guide

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is a condition in which the jaw joint fuses, restricting jaw movement and mouth opening. It is most commonly caused by trauma or injury to the joint.

Surgery is the only way to treat TMJ ankylosis.

In some cases, gap arthroplasty may be performed along with bone graft from the rib to reconstruct the TMJ joint.

TMJ Ankylosis: Causes, Types, Symptoms, and Treatment

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is a condition characterized by the immobility or fusion of the jaw joint, often resulting in a chronic, painless limitation of mandibular motion. This can make it difficult to eat, speak, and maintain oral hygiene.

Causes :

TMJ ankylosis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Pain relievers and muscle relaxants: These medications can help alleviate pain and relax the jaw muscles.
  • Trauma: A blow to the jaw or face can damage the joint and lead to ankylosis.
  • Infection: An infection of the jaw joint can also lead to ankylosis.
  • Failed surgery: Surgery on the TMJ can sometimes lead to ankylosis, especially if the surgery is not performed properly.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: This autoimmune disease can cause inflammation and damage to the TMJ, which can lead to ankylosis.
  • Congenital: In rare cases, TMJ ankylosis can be present at birth (congenital).

Types :

There are three main types of TMJ ankylosis:

  • False ankylosis: This is the least common type of TMJ ankylosis. It is caused by a non-bony obstruction in the joint, such as scar tissue or a foreign body.
  • Fibrous ankylosis: This type of TMJ ankylosis is caused by the formation of fibrous tissue in the joint. Fibrous tissue is tough and inflexible, which can limit joint movement.
  • Bony ankylosis: This is the most common type of TMJ ankylosis. It is caused by the formation of bone between the joint surfaces. This can completely fuse the joint, making it impossible to open the mouth.

Symptoms :

The main symptom of TMJ ankylosis is limited mouth opening. This can range from mild to severe. In severe cases, the mouth may be unable to open more than a few millimeters.

Other symptoms of TMJ ankylosis may include:

  • Difficulty chewing
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Facial pain
  • Facial asymmetry

Treatment :

The treatment for TMJ ankylosis depends on the type and severity of the condition.

  • False ankylosis: Treatment for false ankylosis typically involves removing the obstruction in the joint. This can be done through surgery or by physical therapy.
  • Fibrous ankylosis: Treatment for fibrous ankylosis typically involves surgery to remove the fibrous tissue and restore joint movement.
  • Bony ankylosis: Treatment for bony ankylosis typically involves surgery to break the fused bone and restore joint movement.

In some cases, joint replacement surgery may be necessary.

If you are experiencing symptoms of TMJ ankylosis, it is important to see a doctor or dentist for diagnosis and treatment.

Early diagnosis and treatment of TMJ ankylosis can help to improve the outcome and reduce the risk of complications.