TMJ surgery in India is considered when a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder causes pain, stiffness or limited jaw movement that does not improve with conservative treatment such as splints, medicines and physiotherapy. Options range from arthrocentesis (a joint washout) and arthroscopy to open-joint surgery, depending on the problem in the joint. Newface in Chengannur offers TMJ disorder treatment and jaw surgery in Kerala with Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Dr. Mathew PC.

Watch a video on TMJ surgery in India.

What Is the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)?

The temporomandibular joint is a sliding hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. There is one joint on each side of the jaw. The TMJ lets your jaw move up and down and side to side, so you can speak, chew and yawn.

TMJ Disorders

TMJ disorders, also called TMD, cause pain in the jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement. They can cause pain, stiffness or limited movement of the jaw, which makes it hard to use the jaw fully.

The exact cause is often hard to pinpoint. Possible causes include arthritis, an injury to the jaw, or a problem with the disc in the joint. Some people with jaw pain clench or grind their teeth (bruxism), although many people who clench or grind do not develop a TMJ disorder.

The pain from TMJ disorders is often short-lived and can usually be eased with self-care or non-surgical treatment. Surgery is usually considered only after conservative treatment has not helped, and only some people need it.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

• Pain or tenderness in the jaw

• Pain in one or both temporomandibular joints
• A dull ache in and around the ear
• Difficulty or pain when chewing
• Aching facial pain
• A jaw that feels locked and is hard to open or close
• A clicking sound or grating feeling when you open your mouth or chew

If your jaw clicks but there is no pain or loss of function, you usually do not need treatment.

Causes of TMJ Disorders

The bones in the joint are covered with cartilage and separated by a small shock-absorbing disc, which keeps movement smooth. A painful TMJ disorder is usually linked to one of these:

• The disc wears away or moves out of position
• Arthritis damages the cartilage in the joint
• A blow or other injury damages the joint

In many people, the exact cause is not known.

Who May Need TMJ Surgery in India?

Your doctor may suggest TMJ surgery if:

• You have pain or soreness when you open or close your mouth
• You cannot fully open or close your mouth
• Jaw pain or stiffness makes it hard to eat or drink
• Your pain or stiffness keeps getting worse, even with rest or non-surgical treatment
• Imaging, such as an MRI, shows a structural problem in the jaw joint, such as disc displacement, joint damage or fusion of the joint

Types of TMJ Surgery in India

The type of TMJ surgery depends on your symptoms and how severe the problem is.

Arthrocentesis

Arthrocentesis is a minimally invasive procedure in which fluid is flushed through the joint. It washes out inflammatory by-products and helps relieve the pressure that makes the joint stiff or painful, which can help you regain some jaw movement. It is often done as a day-care procedure and is usually the first surgical option because it is less invasive than other procedures.

Arthroscopy

In arthroscopy, the surgeon makes one or a few small incisions in the skin over the joint and inserts a narrow tube (cannula) into the joint. An arthroscope, which is a small instrument with a light and a camera, is passed through the cannula so the surgeon can look inside the joint. Tiny surgical instruments can then be used to treat the joint. Arthroscopy is less invasive than open surgery, so recovery is usually shorter.

Open-Joint TMJ Surgery

In open-joint surgery, the surgeon makes an incision over the joint to treat the problem directly. It is usually used only for severe problems, such as:

• Extra tissue or bone growth that stops the joint from moving
• Ankylosis, which is permanent fusion of the bone or joint tissue
• Problems that cannot be reached with arthroscopy

The surgeon can remove bony growths or extra tissue, and repair or reposition the disc if it is out of place or damaged. If the disc cannot be repaired, it may be removed and replaced with an artificial disc or your own tissue. Some diseased bone of the joint may also be removed. Recovery after open surgery takes longer than after arthroscopy.

Risks of TMJ Surgery

Every type of TMJ surgery carries risks, which differ with the procedure. They can include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Numbness or weakness of the facial nerves
• Jaw stiffness or limited mouth opening
• Changes in the bite or ear symptoms
• The need for further treatment

Your surgeon will explain the risks that apply to your case before you decide.

Recovery After TMJ Surgery in India

Recovery depends on the type of surgery. Arthrocentesis and arthroscopy are often done as day-care procedures, while open-joint surgery usually needs a hospital stay.

• Before surgery: make sure someone can take you home, as anaesthesia can leave you drowsy and unable to focus.
• Time off: plan time off work. If your job needs little mouth movement you may need only a short break, but a few days of rest is better if possible.
• Dressing: you may have a bandage on your jaw. Keep it dry and clean, and change it only as your doctor advises.
• Medicines: take pain medicines and any antibiotics as prescribed. People with bleeding disorders or kidney problems should not take anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) unless the doctor advises.
• Diet: you will need soft foods and may need a liquid diet at first. Avoid hard and crunchy foods that strain the joint. Drink plenty of water.
• Swelling: use a cold compress on the area as advised. Your surgeon may later suggest gentle heat on the jaw muscles to ease discomfort.
• Splint: if you have been given a splint or other device, wear it as long as your surgeon tells you.
• Follow-up: your surgeon will review you a few days after surgery to check healing, remove stitches if they do not dissolve, and give instructions for caring for your TMJ.
• Physiotherapy: you may need jaw exercises to regain movement and prevent stiffness. This can take weeks or months, and working closely with your therapist helps.

Recovery is different for each person, so follow your surgeon’s instructions.

When to See a Doctor

See a doctor if jaw pain, locking or limited mouth opening lasts, gets worse, or affects eating and daily life. TMJ problems can be mild or serious, and professional assessment is needed in either case. Many TMJ problems settle with conservative treatment, so surgery is not needed for everyone.

About Dr. Mathew PC

Dr. Mathew PC is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon at Newface with over 16 years of experience in facial and jaw surgery, including jaw surgery in India and Kerala. Read more about jaw surgery in India and jaw surgery in Kerala.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a TMJ disorder?
A TMJ disorder (TMD) causes pain in the jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement. It can cause pain, stiffness, clicking or limited jaw movement.

When is TMJ surgery needed?
Surgery is usually considered when pain, stiffness or limited movement does not improve with conservative treatment, or when imaging shows a structural problem in the joint.

What are the types of TMJ surgery?
The main types are arthrocentesis (joint washout), arthroscopy (keyhole surgery of the joint) and open-joint surgery.

How long is recovery after TMJ surgery?
It depends on the type of surgery. Arthrocentesis and arthroscopy usually have a shorter recovery than open-joint surgery. Your surgeon will advise based on your case.

What are the risks of TMJ surgery?
Risks include infection, bleeding, numbness or weakness of the facial nerves, jaw stiffness and the need for more treatment.

Book a Consultation

To discuss TMJ disorder treatment or TMJ surgery in India, book a consultation with Dr. Mathew PC.

Phone: +91 8330077198
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