The Truth About Tmj Surgery

Posted on 7/15/2025 by Life Long Dental

A dentist and assistant examining a female patient in a clinic, assessing symptoms of TMJ disorder.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. If you're experiencing chronic jaw pain, headaches, earaches, or difficulty chewing, you may be considering TMJ surgery. It is important to do your research and understand the facts before making a decision about surgery. It's important to note that TMJ surgery is rarely effective and should only be considered as a last resort.

Is TMJ Surgery Worth It?

There are a number of reasons why TMJ surgery should be avoided. First, it has a very low success rate with less than 8% of patients actually experiencing long-term benefit. Many patients experience even worse pain and complications after surgery. Many patients will require additional surgeries, which can be even more debilitating.

What If TMJ Surgery isn't for me?

The good news is that there are non-surgical options available that can help to relieve TMJ pain and discomfort:

•	Oral appliances: These mouthpieces are worn over your teeth and help to improve jaw alignment and function.
•	Physical therapy: Strengthening the muscles around your jaw may help to reduce pain and prevent future problems.
•	Stress management: TMJ pain has been linked to emotional stress. Relaxation techniques, exercise, and therapy can all be helpful.
•	Diet modification: Avoiding hard, chewy, or crunchy foods may help to reduce pain and inflammation.

There are also a number of at-home therapies that can help you manage your TMJ pain:

•	Ice packs: Use an ice pack, wrapped in a towel, to reduce pain and swelling. It should be applied to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time.
•	Heat packs: Apply a heat pack to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time
•	Over-the-counter pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
•	Jaw exercises: Performing simple jaw exercises may help to stretch and strengthen the muscles in your jaw to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.

Making the Best Choice for You

Deciding on the right treatment for TMJ can be confusing. Be sure to ask your doctor about all of your options, including both surgical and non-surgical treatments. There isn't a cure-all for fixing TMJ disorder, but by exploring different treatments, you are sure to find some relief.

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Dental Blog - Silverdale, WA • Life Long Dental
Dr. Gillespie has created this informative blog to help educate the community. Did you like a topic? Please contact us today! Life Long Dental is your dentist in Silverdale, WA.
Life Long Dental, 3100 NW Bucklin Hill Rd, Suite 209, Silverdale, WA 98383 ~ (360) 633-2377 ~ lifelongdental.com ~ 11/12/2025 ~ Related Phrases: Dentist Silverdale WA ~