TMJ surgery is difficult because the human jaw joint is the most complicated joint in the body. Surgery does not solve all problems and should be restricted to a last ditch effort after all other non-surgical treatments have been tried. The jaw joint tissue is tough and hard to cut and often scares after surgery and these procedures should be avoided.
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. If a patient's bite is off and forces the joint into a bad position, no surgical procedure is going to correct the bad bite. It is crazy but most medical insurance companies will pay for an operation and not TMJ therapy. Non-surgical therapy is much cheaper and not as traumatic. It is not smart to cut first and ask questions later. What is even more ridiculous is that medical insurance companies that do cover TMJ therapy usually have the TMJ surgeon who is usually surgically biased by his training do the TMJ therapy.
Human TMJs are amazingly able to heal and adapt. In twenty years of dental practice, I have only recommended TMJ surgery in two patients with TMJ Syndrome. I have seen many surgical failures. With this risk, it makes sense to exhaust all other TMJ treatments before performing an irreversible treatment.The most promising procedure is done using microscopes and a small lasers. The laser is surgically placed into the joint through a small hole and used to clean up the surface of the tissues inside.
The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join our family of patients. Dr. Padolsky has lectured at major universities on this suibject and enjoys treating this disorder. If you have a TMJ disorder want to avoid TMJ surgery and would like to consult with our TMJ dentist, Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky, make an appointment at 404-874-7428.