TMJ Surgery - Arthroplasty & Joint Replacement
Ease How Your Jaw Moves & Feels
Get TMJ Surgery in Virginia Beach & Improve Jaw Movement
TMJ surgery in Virginia Beach, VA can help relieve ongoing jaw pain and improve movement when other treatments have not provided enough relief. At Eastern Virginia OMS, surgical care is planned around the condition of your temporomandibular joints and your daily needs.
Arthroplasty, also called open joint surgery, allows the surgeon to repair or reshape damaged parts of the TMJ. For severe joint damage, total joint replacement can replace damaged joint structures with an artificial joint. Both of these procedures may improve jaw movement and reduce discomfort. They help the joints work more smoothly, so everyday activities are easier.
Contact Eastern Virginia OMS to schedule a consultation. Learn which type of TMJ surgery may fit your needs.
Discover the Different Types of TMJ Surgery
Arthroplasty and total joint replacement offer different ways to improve how the temporomandibular joints work based on the type and extent of damage.
During arthroplasty, the oral surgeon opens the joint to repair, reshape, or remove damaged tissue and bone. This approach may be recommended for severe joint problems that have not improved with less invasive care. Total joint replacement removes damaged parts of the jaw joint and replaces them with artificial components. It may be used when the joint has severe arthritis, injury, disease, or structural damage.
The right TMJ surgery can address joint problems that make opening, closing, or moving your jaw difficult. No matter which procedure you receive, surgical care begins with a detailed evaluation by a board-certified specialist to determine which approach fits your needs. There's no need to feel nervous about your surgery, as IV sedation is available to keep you relaxed.
Contact Eastern Virginia OMS to schedule a consultation for TMJ surgery in Virginia Beach, VA. Explore your treatment options with one of our surgeons.
Ease Ongoing Jaw Pain
Treating damaged joint structures may reduce pain during jaw movement and everyday activities.
Improve Jaw Movement
Surgery may make it easier to open, close, and move your jaw comfortably.
Address Joint Damage
Arthroplasty can repair or reshape damaged structures that interfere with normal joint movement.
Restore a Damaged Joint
Joint replacement provides new joint surfaces when existing structures can no longer work properly.
Support Everyday Activities
Better jaw comfort and movement can make eating, speaking, and daily routines easier.
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Surgery
Q What is TMJ surgery?
TMJ surgery treats problems affecting the temporomandibular joints, which connect the lower jaw to the skull. Surgery may repair, reshape, remove, or replace damaged joint structures. The type of procedure depends on the cause and severity of the joint problem, as well as symptoms such as pain and limited jaw movement.
Q When is TMJ surgery recommended?
TMJ surgery may be recommended when joint damage causes ongoing pain, limited movement, or trouble using the jaw. Surgery is usually considered after less invasive treatments have not provided enough relief. Imaging and a detailed exam help determine the condition of the joints and whether surgery is an appropriate treatment.
Q What is arthroplasty for TMJ surgery?
TMJ arthroplasty is an open joint procedure that gives the surgeon direct access to damaged structures within the jaw joint. The surgeon may repair or remove damaged tissue, reshape bone, or address other joint problems. Arthroplasty may improve jaw movement and reduce discomfort when less invasive treatments have not worked.
Q How does TMJ joint replacement work?
TMJ joint replacement removes severely damaged parts of the jaw joint and replaces them with artificial components. These components are designed to restore movement between the lower jaw and skull. Total joint replacement may be considered for severe arthritis, major joint damage, certain diseases, or other conditions that prevent the natural joint from working properly.
Q What are the benefits of TMJ surgery?
TMJ surgery may reduce ongoing pain, improve jaw movement, and make daily activities more comfortable. Depending on the procedure, surgery can repair damaged joint structures or replace a joint that no longer works well. Improved movement may make it easier to open the mouth, chew food, speak, and complete other everyday activities.
Q How long does recovery take after TMJ surgery?
Recovery after TMJ surgery depends on the procedure, the condition of the joint, and the patient's overall health. Swelling, soreness, and limited jaw movement are common during early recovery. Patients may need a soft diet and gradual jaw exercises. Recovery from total joint replacement generally takes longer than recovery from less extensive procedures.
Q Will I be able to eat normally after TMJ surgery?
Eating after TMJ surgery usually begins with liquids or soft foods that require little chewing. Firmer foods will be added gradually as the jaw recovers and movement improves. The exact diet and timing depend on the procedure. Following post-surgical instructions can protect the joint and support recovery before returning to a regular diet.
Q How do I know which type of TMJ surgery I need?
The right type of TMJ surgery depends on the condition and severity of the joint problem. A detailed exam and imaging can show damage to the bone, joint surfaces, and nearby structures. These findings help your surgeon determine whether arthroplasty, total joint replacement, or another treatment may provide the best approach for improving comfort and jaw movement.
