TMJ Surgery Pros and Cons

There are a number of treatments for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders that most doctors will try before suggesting TMJ surgery. TMJ disorders are incredibly common. Some disorders are mild enough that they resolve themselves and most others can be treated with non-invasive treatments. However, patients with severe TMJ disorders or a dysfunctional jaw joint may be considering surgery.

TMJ surgery is a drastic step to take so it is important to be as educated as possible on the risks and benefits of corrective jaw surgery. In this section, we will discuss just that. Keep in mind that you are the only one who can decide what is best for you and you are always entitled to a second opinion if you are uncertain about anything.

Let’s begin with the PROS of corrective jaw surgery:

Corrective jaw surgery works to reposition your jaw and teeth to a more balanced and functional location. Corrective jaw surgery can improve regular functions such as breathing, speaking and chewing.

With your jaw in proper alignment, pains associated with TMJ disorders may be believed. Chronic jaw joint pain, headaches, a locking jaw, and an open bite are just a few maladies that can be remedied with jaw surgery.

Patients that have breathing issues while they sleep such as snoring and sleep apnea can benefit from corrective jaw surgery. Patients with facial injuries, birth defects, a receding chin or protruding jaw can also see improvements in both their quality of life and overall appearance with this surgery.

And the CONS of corrective jaw surgery:

Corrective jaw surgery is without a doubt the most expensive treatment for TMJ disorders. Surgery not only requires recovery time whereas other treatments do not, but also require lifestyle changes. For an extended time, your diet and physical activity will need some major modification. Physical activity will have to be avoided so you do not damage your surgery site. There are also foods that are not acceptable to eat following any type of oral surgery such as hard and crunchy foods and spicy foods.

There is a chance that you will require orthodontia for up to a year before corrective jaw surgery. Sometimes the teeth need to be shifted for the jaw to be able to be repaired or replaced and during orthodontia, your bite may change and can actually get worse than it was before you began.

The recovery time from corrective jaw surgery can take up to a month. During this time, you may not be able to return to work or school as there will be discomfort after surgery. The pain as to be expected, you should be able to manage it with over-the-counter pain medications.

To sum up:

Any surgery you decide to have or not have it’s completely up to you. If your doctor strongly advises that you have corrective jaw surgery, feel free to get a second opinion and to make sure that you understand exactly what the risks and benefits are.

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