Question 1

How does Auckland TMJ Centre decide which treatment is right for me?

Accepted Answer

At Auckland TMJ Centre, care is multidisciplinary. Surgeons, physiotherapists, rheumatologists, oral medicine, neurologists, and chronic pain teams contribute as required. Your treatment pathway is shaped by the specific TMJ condition, its severity, and your response to assessment, ensuring each patient receives the right combination of specialist expertise.

Question 2

What is TMJ arthroscopy and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

TMJ arthroscopy is both a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure. Using a small camera inserted into the joint, your surgeon can capture detailed images to assess inflammation, disc condition, and structural changes. The same procedure allows for treatment such as removing debris, releasing adhesions, repositioning the disc, and smoothing the joint surface, all performed through tiny incisions. TMJ arthroscopy is internationally recognised as the gold standard for minimally invasive surgical management of many TMJ disorders.

Question 3

How are our surgeons trained for TMJ arthroscopy?

Accepted Answer

All of our surgeons have completed TMJ arthroscopy training through advanced programmes in the United States. It is an option not widely available through most surgeons in New Zealand.

Question 4

When is arthrocentesis used instead of arthroscopy?

Accepted Answer

TMJ arthroscopy is generally preferred for its diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic benefits. Arthrocentesis remains a useful alternative for patients who are not suitable candidates for surgery under anaesthesia, those with financial constraints, or individuals without access to health insurance.

Question 5

When is open joint surgery the right option?

Accepted Answer

Open joint surgery is typically reserved for patients who have had limited improvement following arthroscopy or those presenting with severe, end-stage TMJ disorders requiring more extensive intervention. The procedure provides direct access to the TMJ through an incision near the ear and is used to reposition or remove a damaged joint disc when other treatments have been unsuccessful.

Question 6

When is a joint replacement considered?

Accepted Answer

In cases of severe joint damage or following unsuccessful previous surgeries, the entire jaw joint may be replaced with a custom-made prosthesis. This advanced procedure is designed to restore jaw movement, alignment, and comfort in complex or degenerative conditions. The primary objectives are to restore long-term function, alleviate pain, and significantly improve quality of life.

Question 7

What if a previous TMJ treatment didn't work?

Accepted Answer

Occasionally, prior treatments or surgeries for TMJ disorders may not achieve the desired outcomes. This can result in ongoing pain, restricted jaw movement, or mechanical issues within the joint. Revision (corrective) surgery may be necessary in some cases. Treatment plans are matched to each patient's specific case.

Question 8

Why is physiotherapy important after surgery?

Accepted Answer

Physiotherapy following TMJ surgery is essential to support functional joint remodelling, reduce stiffness, and restore normal jaw movement. Specialised jaw exercises help retrain the muscles, restore natural jaw movement, and encourage proper disc alignment.

Specialist TMJ surgical care

Conditions we manage at the TMJ

Six TMJ treatment pathways

Arthrocentesis – Joint Washout

Arthroscopy – Keyhole Surgery

Open Joint Surgery

Joint Replacement – Custom Prostheses

Specialist Referral

Revision For Previous TMJ Treatments

OMS Specialists