Sometimes issues with your temporomandibular joint can be so severe surgery is needed. One of the procedures that can be performed is arthroscopic jaw surgery. Let’s take a look at what TMJ arthroscopy is, and why it is performed on someone’s TMJ in Coral Springs.
How Is TMJ Arthroscopy Performed?
When an arthroscopic procedure is performed on a person’s jaw, the surgeon begins by inserting a pencil-thin, lighted tube into the jaw joint through a small incision in the skin. The arthroscope tube is connected to a small camera outside the body that transmits a close-up image of the joint to a TV monitor. The surgeon can insert surgical instruments through the arthroscope to do surgery on the joint, preventing the need for more surgical incisions.
What Is Done During Surgery?
During arthroscopic surgery, the surgeon may do any of the following:
- Remove scar tissue and thickened cartilage.
- Reshape parts of the jawbone.
- Reposition the disc.
- Tighten the joint to limit movement.
- Flush the joint.
- Insert an anti-inflammatory medicine.
Why Is the Surgery Performed?
Arthroscopy can be used to treat temporomandibular disorders involving:
- Joint disease that causes tissue and bone to break down
- Scar tissue
- Cartilage that is too thick
- Severe disc problems in the joint
- A jaw joint that has loosened over time or after an injury
Are You Suffering from Pain to your TMJ in Coral Springs?
If you are suffering from any of the symptoms above, at Oral Facial we offer TMJ arthroscopy. The procedure is done in our office. Contact us today to learn more, or to schedule an appointment to come in.