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TMJ arthroscopy is a type of TMJ surgery used for temporomandibular joint disorder diagnosis and treatment. It’s a less invasive operation than other types of jaw surgery, and can be very useful for determining the cause of your jaw discomfort so our dental surgeons can recommend the right TMJ treatments. Find out more about TMJ arthroscopy at Harley Street Specialist Hospital below.
Consult with leading dental surgeon
Same day imaging scans, diagnosis & treatment
Pain relief for facial swelling, jaws, head and neck pain
Harley Street Specialist Hospital is an award-winning dental hospital based in central London. Here, we work with an extensive pool of dental consultants and surgeons to offer the best in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Our private dental hospital caters exclusively for self-paying and privately insured patients, so you won’t be placed on a waiting list. Instead, you’ll get fast assessment and diagnosis and be able to schedule your TMJ arthroscopy at a time convenient for you.
TMJ arthroscopy is proven to reduce jaw pain, correcting your jaw alignment so you feel comfortable and pain-free throughout the day. Book an appointment at our comfortable London dental hospital to learn more about TMJ arthroscopy and whether it’s the right treatment to tackle your jaw pain.
TMJ arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to reduce pain from temporomandibular joint disorder. Also known as jaw arthroscopy, this type of TMJ surgery uses a miniature camera and surgical instruments to diagnose and correct the tissue around your jaw.
Arthroscopy is sometimes known as keyhole surgery, as the incisions made in your skin are very small. This reduces the risk of severe scarring and can offer much faster recovery times than other types of surgery.
Learn more about TMJ arthroscopy below, including the success rates, side effects, and procedure costs.
If a TMJ arthroscopy is recommended as part of your TMJ treatment, here’s what you can expect from the procedure:
1. Assessment and diagnosis — Initial non-invasive diagnostic and imaging scans will determine the cause of your TMJ pain.
2. General anaesthetic — TMJ arthroscopy is performed under general anaesthetic, so you won’t be awake during the procedure.
3. Inserting the arthroscope — Your dental surgeon will make a small cut near your ear and insert a tiny camera known as an arthroscope so they can see the inside of your jaw.
4. Arthroscopic diagnosis — Using visuals from the camera, the surgeon will identify any problematic tissue, such as cartilage or disc damage in your jaw.
5. Arthroscopic treatment — Depending on your diagnosis, the surgeon will use surgical instruments to flush out any loose tissue in the jaw, remove scar tissue, or adjust the position of your discs.
6. Recovery — After your jaw arthroscopy surgery, you’ll be monitored in hospital for a few hours.
Unlike other types of jaw surgery, TMJ arthroscopy is usually performed on a day case basis. That means you can leave the hospital a few hours after your procedure and recover in the comfort of your home.
In these frequently asked questions, learn more about the TMJ arthroscopy operation, side effects, and recovery time.
You can normally go home the same day after your TMJ arthroscopy, but you may want to take a few days off work while the pain subsides and the swelling goes down. This usually takes 5-7 days at most.
Arthroscopy for TMJ dysfunction has success rates of up to 90%, making it one of the most effective treatments for temporomandibular disorder.
You’ll be under general anaesthetic during the TMJ arthroscopy procedure so that you won’t feel any pain. When the anaesthetic wears off, you’ll likely feel some discomfort, but this can usually be managed with painkillers and rest.
Bleeding, swelling, and discomfort are known side effects of TMJ arthroscopy. While rare, there are some other potential side effects to note, such as:
To minimise the risks of TMJ arthroscopy, follow your surgeon’s aftercare advice carefully.
You might feel some discomfort in your jaw when you come round from the anaesthetic. Your doctors can provide pain medication to alleviate this while you’re in hospital.
Your jaw may feel stiff and swollen for a few days, so stick to liquids and soft foods. Take any medication you’ve been prescribed, and avoid opening your mouth too wide or clenching your jaw closed. Work with your physiotherapist to gradually increase the range of motion around your jaw.
Get the personalised, patient-oriented care you deserve! Contact us today and let our top-tier surgical team design an arthroscopy treatment plan that fully suits your medical needs, so you can get optimum results.
Spread the cost of your medical treatment over several months with our finance options and medical payment plans. This is ideal for patients seeking the speed and comfort of private healthcare without significant upfront payments.
Use our self-payment options to get prompt care with the consultant of your choice. Patients looking for fast, efficient treatment without private health insurance are welcome to pay for treatment before their procedure.
We welcome patients with private medical insurance from approved insurers, including Bupa, AXA, Aviva, and many more. Find out how to claim for your treatment with private health insurance to get optimum care and comfort.
Find out more about this minimally invasive type of TMJ treatment below.
You might be eligible for TMJ keyhole surgery if:
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure, so it’s not usually considered a major surgery. TMJ arthroscopy may reduce the likelihood that you’ll need major jaw surgery, such as a jaw joint replacement.
Your physiotherapist will give you specific exercises to increase jaw mobility and strength after your operation. These may include:
There isn’t always an upper age limit for jaw surgery. As long as you’re in good general health, you may be a candidate for jaw arthroscopy. Our consultants will discuss your individual eligibility with you.
Harley Street Specialist Hospital offers TMJ arthroscopy as part of our extensive range of treatments for temporomandibular joint disorder. Work with our skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeons to get the best in patient care and comfort at our central London dental hospital. Book an appointment with our dental team to get started.
