Diagnosing & Relieving TMJ Pain & Dysfunction
If you have pain when chewing or speaking or your jaw clicks or locks up sometimes, an oral surgeon may use this minimally invasive technique to diagnose and treat your TMJ disorder.
What Is Arthroscopy for TMJ Disorders?
Arthroscopy for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to help diagnose and treat problems that affect this joint connecting your jawbone to your skull. A tool called an arthroscope is inserted into your jaw joint through a tiny incision in your mouth. This bendable scope has a small camera for examining your TMJ and taking pictures. The images are then used to identify any TMJ problems and what's needed to fix them.
Arthroscopy may also be used to treat your TMJ problem. Small tools can be inserted through the scope during the same procedure to flush or clean out the joint, inject an anti-inflammatory medicine, remove scar tissue and more.
Why Choose Jefferson Health for Arthroscopy for TMJ Disorders?
At Jefferson Health, our Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery team provides a full range of surgical care for patients of all ages – including surgery for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, sleep apnea, and facial and jaw reconstruction. Many of our oral surgeons are ranked among the best in the Greater Philadelphia region by Philadelphia magazine.
Jefferson Health oral surgeons are specially trained in performing arthroscopy for TMJ disorders and will guide you through a smooth recovery. We are leaders in minimally invasive approaches to minimize your discomfort and recovery time.
What to Expect From Arthroscopy for TMJ Disorders
Before your arthroscopy, you'll receive general anesthesia so you're asleep. During the procedure, your oral surgeon will make one small inside your mouth then insert the thin, bendable arthroscope into your jaw area. Other tools needed during the surgery can be inserted through the scope so no other incisions are needed.
Arthroscopy for TMJ disorders typically takes 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the treatment you need. After the procedure, your care team may recommend a diet of liquid and soft food for up to a month and jaw exercises to prevent scar tissue from building up in the treated joint.
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