TMJ TREATMENTS

Open Joint Surgery – Disc Repositioning / Discectomy

This surgical approach provides direct access to the TMJ through an incision near the ear. It is used to reposition or remove a damaged joint disc when other treatments have been unsuccessful.

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Open joint surgery – TMJ disc repositioning

Overview

What this means for you.

Open joint surgery provides direct access to the TMJ through an incision near the ear, used to reposition or remove a damaged joint disc when other treatments have been unsuccessful. This procedure is often recommended for severe or long-standing joint disorders, with careful patient selection enabling excellent long-term outcomes.

Procedure
Direct access to TMJ via preauricular incision
When
When other treatments have been unsuccessful
Recovery
Several weeks
Diet
Soft diet during early healing
Follow-up
Physical therapy

Is this for you

Open joint surgery is typically considered when:

  • There has been limited improvement following arthroscopy
  • A damaged joint disc needs to be repositioned or removed
  • You present with severe or long-standing TMJ disorders
  • End-stage TMJ disorders require more extensive intervention

Recovery

Recovery after open joint surgery

  1. 01

    Early recovery

    Early stages

    Patients may experience swelling, bruising, and limited jaw movement during the early stages.

  2. 02

    Healing

    Several weeks

    Recovery usually takes several weeks. Physical therapy and a soft diet are commonly advised to support healing.

  3. 03

    Long-term outcome

    Beyond recovery

    With careful patient selection, long-term outcomes can be excellent.

What to expect

What to expect after the procedure

  • Swelling and bruising

    Patients may experience swelling, bruising, and limited jaw movement during the early stages.

Common questions

Common questions about open joint surgery

When is open joint surgery recommended?

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 is often recommended for severe or long-standing joint disorders.

How long is recovery?

Recovery usually takes several weeks. Patients may experience swelling, bruising, and limited jaw movement during the early stages. Physical therapy and a soft diet are commonly advised to support healing.

What can I expect as a long-term outcome?

With careful patient selection, long-term outcomes can be excellent.

Related

Related care at Auckland TMJ Centre

Same surgeons

OMS Specialists

When surgery is required, it is carried out at OMS Specialists, our co-located oral and maxillofacial surgery practice. Same surgeons, same accredited facility, full-scope surgical care across jaw, facial, oral, and skin conditions.

Visit OMS Specialists