Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) is a condition that affects the joint responsible for jaw movement, thus influencing crucial functions such as chewing, speaking, and facial expression. TMDs are multifactorial in origin, meaning there is usually no single causative factor. Additionally, two major groups of disorders can be identified in a patient: muscular TMD and articular TMD. For each group, there is a range of possible diagnoses and treatments, which should be escalated according to the severity, disease progression, and the level of functional limitation experienced by the patient. This dysfunction may manifest through symptoms such as intense pain in the temporal region, frequent headaches, difficulty chewing, and joint noises or clicking sounds during jaw movement, significantly impacting the patient’s quality of life.
Although the initial approach to TMD treatment generally involves clinical methods—including relaxation therapies, dry needling, the use of intraoral appliances, or medications to relieve pain and inflammation—there are situations in which these measures are insufficient. In more severe cases, or when the patient fails to respond adequately to conservative treatments, surgical intervention or minimally invasive procedures, such as arthroscopy, may be recommended.
Surgery for TMD aims to restore proper function of the temporomandibular joint and relieve associated symptoms, providing a long-lasting solution to the challenges faced by patients. Surgical methods can range from minimally invasive procedures, such as arthroscopic techniques that allow visualization and treatment of the joint interior with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues, to more complex interventions that may involve reconstruction or replacement of joint components.
This type of surgery is performed by oral and maxillofacial surgery specialists in a hospital setting, with all necessary safety and comfort measures in place to ensure efficient recovery and satisfactory outcomes. By directly addressing the underlying causes of TMD and restoring TMJ function, surgery can offer significant symptom relief, improve the patient’s ability to chew and speak, and contribute to an overall enhancement in quality of life.
