Oklahoma-based oral maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Rocky Cullens received his training in dental surgery from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. As a practicing surgeon, Dr. Rocky Cullens has a professional interest in ways to treat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders using surgical techniques.
Anatomically, the TMJ serves as a hinge for the mouth, allowing the opening of the mouth and lateral movement of the jaw. These movements are important during activities such as chewing, talking, and yawning. Unfortunately, for some people these normal bodily movements can be affected by disorders affecting the joint itself or the surrounding muscles and tissues.
There are many options available to treat TMJ disorders. However, when all conservative modalities fail, patients typically resort to surgery.
There are different types of TMJ surgeries; the type of surgery opted for depends upon what the surgeon wants to achieve. There are two types of TMJ surgeries that can be performed in an outpatient setting. One is TMJ arthroscopy, which is done to visualize the joint and loosen and remove any scar tissue. The second is TMJ arthrocentesis, a procedure wherein the joints are flushed with saline. This is usually done to lubricate the joint, reduce inflammation, and improve the joint's range of motion.
There are two other types of TMJ surgeries: TMJ arthroplasty and TMJ total joint replacement. These surgeries are inpatient procedures and require a larger incision, as they require more complicated maneuvers such as disc repositioning or removal of one or both of the natural joints.
Anatomically, the TMJ serves as a hinge for the mouth, allowing the opening of the mouth and lateral movement of the jaw. These movements are important during activities such as chewing, talking, and yawning. Unfortunately, for some people these normal bodily movements can be affected by disorders affecting the joint itself or the surrounding muscles and tissues.
There are many options available to treat TMJ disorders. However, when all conservative modalities fail, patients typically resort to surgery.
There are different types of TMJ surgeries; the type of surgery opted for depends upon what the surgeon wants to achieve. There are two types of TMJ surgeries that can be performed in an outpatient setting. One is TMJ arthroscopy, which is done to visualize the joint and loosen and remove any scar tissue. The second is TMJ arthrocentesis, a procedure wherein the joints are flushed with saline. This is usually done to lubricate the joint, reduce inflammation, and improve the joint's range of motion.
There are two other types of TMJ surgeries: TMJ arthroplasty and TMJ total joint replacement. These surgeries are inpatient procedures and require a larger incision, as they require more complicated maneuvers such as disc repositioning or removal of one or both of the natural joints.