The Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is your jaw joint that allows you to open and close your mouth. The TMJ is located where your mandible attaches to the base of your skull. TMJ dysfunction is when there is damage to the bones or cartilage of the joint leading to pain, clicking, grinding, locking, dislocation or facial pain.

Symptoms may range from mild to severe and debilitating. Symptoms may include:

• Difficulty with mouth opening
• Limited range of motion of your jaw
• Locked jaw (Open or closed)
• Clicking, popping noises from the joint
• Inability to eat certain foods

Treatment of TMJ disorders range from conservative to surgical.
Conservative non-operative treatment options include:

• Soft diet
• Anti-inflammatories
• Heat packs
• Physiotherapy
• Occlusal splint

Surgical treatment options include:

• Arthrocentesis: Washout of the jaw joint
• Arthroscopy: Washout of the jaw joint with a specialised camera. This may help with scar tissue removal and diagnosis of the underlying issue
• Discectomy: An open procedure to remove a damaged and painful cartilaginous disc in your joint
• TMJ replacement: An open procedure to replace the entire joint with a custom titanium joint

Recovery after TMJ surgery will depend on your age, medical conditions and extent of surgery.

If you have any questions or concerns in the post-operative period, Dr Oztel will be available to discuss these with you.