We offer several flexible payment options to meet your needs.
In cases where diagnosis indicates a specific problem with the TMJ or where several attempts at non-surgical intervention have failed, joint surgery may be an appropriate treatment. TMJ surgery is designed to treat and fix a specific problem, including the removal of scar tissue, the repair and reposition of the disc, the alteration of the anatomy of a joint, or the removal of degenerative tissue. Our experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon uses advanced surgical techniques to address severe TMJ disorders and restore jaw function.
Temporomandibular joint disorder surgery is typically reserved for patients with severe dysfunction of the jaw joint that has not responded to other treatments. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), TMJ disorders affect between 5% and 12% of the population. While many TMJ issues can be managed with non-surgical options like medication, physical therapy, or oral appliances, surgery may be necessary for individuals with advanced joint damage or persistent symptoms.
The following are some common scenarios where TMJ surgery might be recommended:
Patients who experience chronic, debilitating pain or difficulty moving their jaw—despite trying conservative treatments—may benefit from surgery. This includes individuals who struggle with basic activities like chewing, speaking, or yawning due to joint dysfunction. Persistent jaw pain and restricted jaw movement can significantly impact quality of life, making surgical treatment a necessary option.
When the TMJ joint has been significantly damaged by conditions like arthritis, trauma, or degenerative diseases, surgical intervention may be required to repair or replace the joint and restore proper jaw function. Advanced joint deterioration may affect the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both, requiring comprehensive evaluation by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
If a patient has undergone extensive nonsurgical treatments, such as splints, physical therapy, or Botox injections, without experiencing relief, surgery may offer a long-term solution. When conservative treatments fail to reduce symptoms or address the underlying cause of TMJ pain, surgical procedures become a viable option.
Frequent locking of the jaw or episodes where the joint dislocates can severely impact a patient’s quality of life. Surgery may be necessary to correct structural issues causing these problems. TMJ surgical procedures can address issues within the joint space and restore normal jaw movement.
Temporomandibular joint prosthetic joint replacement offers a transformative solution for individuals with severe jaw dysfunction, chronic pain, or significant joint damage. This advanced surgical procedure can provide numerous benefits, improving both quality of life and long-term oral health.
Here are the key advantages:
Pain relief: Chronic jaw pain caused by TMJ disorders can significantly impact daily life. Prosthetic joint replacement addresses the root cause of the pain by replacing the damaged joint with a prosthetic device, alleviating discomfort and restoring function. This surgical treatment is highly effective for reducing pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments.
Improved jaw function: For patients experiencing restricted jaw movement, difficulty chewing, or joint locking, a prosthetic joint can restore smooth and stable motion. This allows for better eating, speaking, and overall jaw functionality.
Durable and long-lasting solution: TMJ prosthetic joints are designed to be highly durable, providing a long-term solution for joint dysfunction. Unlike temporary treatments, this surgical option can offer decades of improved function and reduced symptoms.
Enhanced quality of life: Patients often report significant improvements in their daily lives after TMJ prosthetic joint replacement. With pain reduced and jaw function restored, they can return to normal activities without the limitations caused by their condition.
Customizable for individual needs: Modern prosthetic joints are tailored to fit the unique anatomy of each patient. This personalized approach ensures a precise fit and optimal results, enhancing both the function and comfort of the jaw.
Effective for advanced joint damage: For patients with severe arthritis, trauma, or degenerative joint conditions, prosthetic replacement offers a definitive solution when other treatments are no longer effective.
At Park Smiles NYC, our experienced maxillofacial surgeon combines advanced surgical techniques with personalized care to help you achieve lasting relief and improved jaw function.
An arthroscope is a miniature telescopic instrument, like that used for many years with knee joints, through which the contents of the jaw joint can be viewed. TMJ arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a small camera to visualize and treat joint problems.
Using a special arthroscope small enough to enter the TMJ, this allows to visualize the joint and perform minor surgical procedures, such as treating cartilage damage. Once you’re asleep under general anesthesia, the joint is flushed out with numbing medicine and fluids. The TMJ is then carefully entered with the arthroscope through a small incision, inches long, in front of the ear. After the arthroscope has been placed, we can view the magnified anatomy of the joint on a screen. We can then perform the needed treatment through the scope using specialized instruments such as a laser to remove scar tissue, reduce swollen, inflamed tissue, and reposition an out-of-place disc. This arthroscopy procedure is less invasive than open joint surgery and typically results in a shorter recovery time.
In some cases, arthroscopic surgery may be incapable of correcting a TMJ problem, and other surgical procedures need to be considered. For example, if a disc is displaced and cannot be moved back into its proper position, then open surgery may be needed to expose the joint and allow more complex treatment procedures to be performed.
Arthroplasty, also known as open joint surgery, involves making an incision in front of the ear to expose the joint so Dr. Cohen can repair a disc or ligament. Dr. Cohen can also remove any diseased condyle (the rounded projection on a bone) as a result of degenerative joint disease. Any bone interferences can also be smoothed out or removed, and the disc can be secured into its correct position with the help of stitches. This surgical procedure is performed under general anesthesia and addresses more complex temporomandibular disorders.
In the event of severe joint deterioration, which may occur in certain types of arthritis affecting the TMJ, more extensive surgical procedures are available to treat the problem. Much like a knee or a hip joint can be replaced with a prosthetic, the TMJ can also be replaced.
Using a computer-generated image of your CT scan, a three-dimensional model of your skull can be fabricated out of plastic. Using this model, a prosthetic joint of metal and plastic can be custom-made to your model and surgically inserted by Dr. Cohen. This procedure would be performed under general anesthesia. TMJ prosthetic joint replacement represents the most advanced option for treating severe TMJ disorders when other surgical treatments have been unsuccessful.
Recovering from TMJ surgery is a gradual process that requires proper care and follow-up to ensure successful healing and adjustment to the prosthetic joint. Immediately after surgery, you may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the jaw area. These symptoms are normal and can be managed with prescribed pain medications and ice packs. Applying moist heat after the initial healing phase can also help reduce discomfort. A soft or liquid diet is typically recommended for the first few weeks to minimize strain on the healing joint and avoid chewy foods, and your surgeon will provide detailed dietary guidelines tailored to your needs.
Physical therapy often plays a critical role in the recovery process, helping to improve jaw mobility, reduce stiffness, and rebuild strength in the surrounding jaw muscles. Your care team will provide you with specific exercises to perform at home and guide you through this process during follow-up appointments. Working with a physical therapist can accelerate healing and optimize jaw function. Regular check-ins with your surgeon are essential for monitoring progress and ensuring the prosthetic joint is functioning correctly, allowing adjustments to your treatment plan if necessary.
As you heal, you’ll likely notice gradual improvements in pain relief, jaw function, and overall comfort. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few months, although the exact recovery time varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and individual healing factors. Understanding the potential risks and recovery timeline helps patients prepare for the surgical site healing process.
At Park Smiles NYC, we’re dedicated to supporting you every step of the way, providing personalized care and guidance to help you achieve lasting relief and restored jaw functionality. Our oral and maxillofacial surgery team specializes in comprehensive oral rehabilitation to ensure optimal outcomes.
Living with TMJ pain or dysfunction can be overwhelming, but advanced treatments like TMJ prosthetic joint replacement can provide the relief and improved function you need. At Park Smiles NYC, we specialize in personalized care, offering innovative surgical solutions tailored to your specific needs. Our experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon is here to guide you every step of the way, from diagnosis to recovery, ensuring a smooth and supportive experience.
We understand that considering surgery can be daunting, and we’re committed to explaining all potential risks and benefits so you can make an informed decision about your treatment plan. Whether you need TMJ arthroscopy, arthroplasty, or joint replacement surgery, we provide expert care in the heart of Manhattan.
If you’re ready to explore whether TMJ surgery is the right solution for you, we’re here to help. Contact us today at (212) 988-6724 or use our contact form to schedule a consultation. Let Park Smiles NYC help you move toward a life free from TMJ pain and discomfort.
212-988-6724 or
If you are ready to enhance your smile, the experienced cosmetic dentists at Park Smiles NYC are here to help. Our dedicated team offers a comprehensive range of services, from orthodontics to teeth whitening, to meet all your oral health needs. We understand the importance of a healthy smile for your overall well-being and are committed to ensuring your satisfaction throughout your treatment journey.
Or Call (929) 203-7933
