tmj surgery

susbrick22yahoocouk

Has anyone had tmj surgery, and what is it like afterwards, do they wire your teeth, and how does it affect talking and eating
thanks

woodbon

Just to say Hello, I'm sorry I don't have experience of your problem, but I'm sure someone who has will be along in a minuite or so. Glad you'v found this site, its very helpful with lots of people who have experience. Also the helpline team on the free number at the top of the page are very helpful, I'm sure they can give you the information. Love Sue

magenta

Hi,
I have TMJ but no-one has suggested surgery for it-yet! I also have either OA or Osteoarthrosis of the jaw which has caused a bone spur to appear on one side of my jaw. The surgeons 'think' the OA has been caused by the TMJ. Anyway, I'm on an urgent waiting list for surgery (not heard anything for over 3wks though!). At this stage, all I know is that they will cut away bone, file the joint down and then inject steroid into the joint space. I do however have a mouth guard that I wear at night, for the TMJ.
Hope you get yours sorted-I know how painful the condition is. Don't know about you but I'm in pain all the time. Sometimes I can't talk, eat or even smile. Co-dydramol helps and heat compresses. Take care,
Magenta

eckstardeluxe

Hi there. I found this info on the net, this might help

Treatment of TMJ disorder
Orthodontics
Very few TMJ cases are severe enough to need surgery. Most bite problems can be corrected through restoration or orthodontic treatment.

Dental appliances
If there is no structural disorder in the joint, but your dentist notices interferences that affect the bite, he may suggest correcting the problem using an appliance.

Occlusal equilibration
Occlusal equilibration is the most frequently used option to remove deflective interferences, and enable the jaw to close down properly. It involves the reshaping of the teeth surfaces that are involved in biting. Your dentist will examine the occlusion and the joints, before he recommends a particular treatment.

Mouth guards
The dentist may fit you with a plastic shield that acts like a mouth guard to protect your upper or lower teeth. This guard or splint can protect your teeth against teeth grinding when worn at night. If the splint causes pain, discontinue use.

Surgical treatment
If your dentist believes that your problem is caused by a structural disorder, and if your pain is not relieved through occlusal equilibration or the use of splints, then he will recommend an X-ray. He may also recommend an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) to have a look at the soft tissue that surrounds the joint. In some cases, he may even order a CT scan to check the bony parts of the jaw. Finally, he may recommend orthodontia, an intra-oral appliance or maxillofacial surgery, depending on the results of the scans. He will refer you to an oral surgeon or a maxillofacial surgeon.

What to expect during surgery
Surgery is performed under local anesthesia. Here, two needles are inserted into the temporomandibular joint, one connected to a syringe containing a cleansing solution, and the other acting as an exit for the fluid. This procedure is used to wash out the joint. In some cases, your surgeon will make use of a scalpel like tool to remove any tissue adhesions in the joint.

Orthroscopy
Another type of surgery to treat TMJ is orthroscopy, in which an incision is made at the temple to insert an endoscope into the area. Using images provided by the endoscope, your surgeon will remove adhesions, or reposition the disc.

Open joint surgery
Open joint surgery is the only option that allows access to any tumors, scarring or worsening bone structure.

First aid for TMJ
To treat intense pain before you meet with your dentist, try the following self help remedies.

Apply hot and cold packs to the side of the face to lessen the pain. The pack should be applied for 10-minute durations.
Avoid yawning or other extended jaw movements, and limit the amount of pressure you place on your jaw.
Eat only soft foods, and avoid foods that require heavy chewing
If you are under any dental treatment for tooth decay, continue with the treatment.
Massages and biofeedback can also offer some relief from TMJ.
Anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-anxiety drugs and anti depressants can provide relief from intense pain.
Dental appliances like mouth guards can reduce teeth grinding which can enhance your bite, enabling your lower jaw to fit properly into the TMJ socket.
Remember that any TMJ treatment should only be provided by a dental specialist who is highly experienced in this area.

Alternative treatments for TMJ
Alternative treatments for TMJ include TENS (Transcutanaous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), radiowave therapy and ultrasound. Radiowave therapy and TNS work by sending radiowaves or low-intensity energy waves to the affected region to stimulate the flow of blood to the area. These alternative treatments do not work to treat the causes of TMJ, and can only be relied on for temporary relief.

Treatment follow-up
After TMJ treatment, follow your dentist’s instructions, including prescribed medication, hot and cold compresses or jaw exercises. If you are required to make a follow up visit with the surgeon, remember to do so.

lindalegs

WOW Alex - I'm dead impressed with all that info and I'd like to add it's great to see you back and posting again.

Luv Legs

eckstardeluxe

lindalegs wrote:

WOW Alex - I'm dead impressed with all that info and I'd like to add it's great to see you back and posting again.

Luv Legs

Aww thank you Legs, great to see you too. It's that blimming Big brother, been moaning on the forums about that. :oops: All good here. I'm back proper now.