TMJ Disorder

The treatment of temporomandibular disorders can involve many forms, some of which are less invasive than others.

At the Washington Institute for Mouth, Face, and Jaw Surgery, Dr. Guttenberg prefer to start with a conservative approach of behavior modification, including stress reduction and habit alteration. In addition, we recommend exercises, heat treatment, and muscle massage. Should the disorder not respond, we then recommend medications, occlusal stent treatment, and physical therapy.

Should the disorder still continue to not respond to these approaches, we then may recommend a more invasive approach, including arthrocentesis, arthoscopy, open joint surgery, or joint replacement surgery.

Arthrocentesis is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in our office. This involves lysis and lavage of the temporomandibular joint, which is the washing and manipulation of the joint under general anesthesia or intravenous anesthesia.

Arthroscopy is a slightly more invasive procedure that is usually performed at the hospital. This, too, involves lysis and lavage of the temporomandibular joint, but it is performed using an arthroscope, which allows the doctor to see inside of the joint.

Open Joint Surgery is a procedure that is performed at the hospital. It is an operation performed to maximally visualize the joint and to manipulate tissues. The smoothing of the bones of the joint is best approached through this technique. In addition, modification or removal of the disc (meniscus) can easily be performed with this approach, if necessary.