TMJ Surgery
Many patients with Temporo-mandibular Joint Dysfunction would rather resort to TMJ surgery than attempt to treat the disorder with non-surgical methods. This can be a serious problem because the TMJ joints are the most complicated joints in the human body. In fact there are more instances where surgery has not worked than instances where it has worked. If you believe you are experiencing the symptoms of TMJD and would like a diagnosis so that you can begin TMJD treatment, contact a TMJ dentist as soon as possible.
Before getting TMJ surgery it is important to get a correct diagnosis of the cause of TMJ Dysfunction for your particular case. There are multiple treatment options and surgeries available for TMJD. The reason so many different types of surgeries are available is because there are multiple different causes of TMJ Dysfunction (also known as TMJ Disorder, Disease or Syndrome). The single biggest problem treating TMJD is that it is so misunderstood. The confusion surrounding the cause of TMJD and how to treat it means that the wrong treatment are often used, that is to say a treatment that might work for one cause of TMJD may not necessarily work for another cause of TMJD.
There are multiple types of TMJ surgery available. Arthroplasty is a term that refers to any type of open surgery for the TM joints. Disk repositioning, disectomy, joint recontouring and even joint replacement are all options. Unfortunately, the history of TMJ surgery includes many surgical procedures that have not worked and actually caused more damage. In the 1980s, surgeons were placing Silastic into joints and most of this material had to be surgically removed later. Surgery should only be used as a last resort after all other TMJ treatment options have failed.
Many people choose to get TMJ surgery before trying other treatment options because most medical insurance companies will pay for surgery and not TMJ therapy. Non-surgical therapy is much cheaper, less invasive and not as traumatic. It is not smart to cut first and ask questions later because any alterations made surgically could actually make the problem worse and require even more effort to remedy. Dr. Padolsky is our senior TMJ doctor here at the Atlanta Dental Group PC and he has developed a TMJ treatment program that relieves TMJ pain and remedies the cause of TMJD. In twenty years of dental practice he has only recommended TM joint surgery for two patients.
If you would like to learn more about TMJ Surgery and would like to speak with an Atlanta TMJ dentist, please consider the Atlanta Dental Group PC. Our dental office has over 45 years of combined experience serving Atlanta’s dental needs. Our dentists and staff are dedicated to our patients’ good health and well being and our goal is to make your visit as pleasant as possible. You are welcome to join our family of patients, whatever your dental needs. If you would like to schedule a dental consultation with any of our Atlanta dentists, call us at 404-874-7428 to make an appointment.
