TMJ Surgery

Steve Yusupov, DDS, MD, FACS, of Gold Coast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, specializes in the surgical care of temporomandibular disorders. Most TMD issues do not require surgery, and we highly recommend seeing a TMD medical specialist prior to seeing Dr. Yusupov. Call the office in Roslyn, New York, to determine if TMJ surgery is right for you, or use the online booking feature today.

What is temporomandibular joint (TMJ)?

Temporomandibular Joint, also known as TMJ, is the name for the jaw joint. This is the hinge-like joint that connects the bottom jaw to the rest of the skull. During the opening and closing of the mouth, the joint undergoes rotation and translation. Both are complex movements that allow one to have oral function. There are four associated muscles that are necessary for joint function. They are referred to as the muscles of mastication:

• Temporalis - fan-shaped muscle originating in the temple
• Master - strong muscle on the side of the jaw
• Medial Pterygoid
• Lateral pterygoid  

What is temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD)?

TMD is a broad category of disorders that can occur with the TMJ. The two main categories of TMD are muscle dysfunction and inflammation and degenerative changes of the hard tissue of the joint itself. Muscle inflammation is by far the most common. Most muscle versions of TMD are treated non-surgically. 

Hard tissue (bone, cartilage, or articulating disk) issues are less common and more frequently require surgical intervention.

Dr. Yusupov will commonly prescribe initial non-surgical therapy for TMD patients. However, more advanced non-surgical therapy will be referred out. Those patients that have been under medical care and require surgical intervention, recommended by a TMD specialist or orofacial pain specialist, are encouraged to come in for a consultation. 

Which types of TMD procedures are available?

Gold Coast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery offers the following jaw surgeries:

Arthrocentesis or Arthroscopy 

Many would consider this a non-surgical procedure. However, this is a procedure that requires anesthesia. Many cases can be done in the office with IV sedation. On occasion, Dr. Yusupov will perform these in the hospital setting.

Disc Repositioning 

This is an open joint procedure that requires an operating room setting. Dr. Yusupov believes that this is an invasive procedure that does not lead to permanent results and, in general, discourages patients from this option.

Modified Condylotomy

This is an intraoral procedure commonly done in conjunction with corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery).

Total Joint Arthroplasty 

This is also known as total joint replacement. This procedure is commonly reserved for end-stage degenerative TMD. Dr. Yusupov utilized customized joints for his patients. In other words, a patient-specific joint is manufactured individually for each patient before surgery. 

To learn more about the TMJ surgery options at Gold Coast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, schedule an appointment by phone or request one online today.