TMJ surgery · White Plains · The Bronx · Brooklyn
The temporomandibular joint connects your lower jaw to your skull, just in front of each ear. When the joint is damaged or out of position, it can cause pain, clicking and trouble opening your mouth. Dr. Benichou completed fellowship training in TMJ surgery and sees patients in White Plains, the Bronx and Brooklyn.
Symptoms
TMJ disorders are common, and many improve without surgery. See a specialist if you have:
Is surgery right for you
Most people start with non-surgical care, such as a night guard or splint, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication and a soft diet. Surgery is considered when those treatments haven't worked and imaging shows a problem inside the joint, such as a displaced disc, arthritis or bone damage.
Not responding to non-surgical care doesn't automatically mean you need surgery. Many cases of jaw pain come from the chewing muscles rather than the joint itself. An exam and the right imaging sort out which it is, and because joint surgery can't always be undone, the usual approach is to start with the least invasive option that fits the problem.
Treatment options
Listed from least to most invasive.
When a bite problem goes along with a joint problem, corrective jaw surgery may be part of the plan.
The process
An exam of the joint, your jaw movement and your bite, plus a review of your symptoms and anything you've already tried.
A CT scan shows the bone of the joint. An MRI shows the disc and soft tissue. You may need one or both.
A recommendation that starts with the least invasive option likely to help, with time to go over risks and alternatives.
Follow-up visits and, after most procedures, jaw exercises or physical therapy to keep the joint moving as it heals.
Recovery
Typical ranges. Your own recovery depends on your joint and the procedure.
Swelling and soreness are usually worst in the first few days. Cold packs help on the first day, then moist heat.
Questions
Probably not. Most people with TMJ symptoms improve with non-surgical care. Surgery is for specific problems inside the joint that haven't improved with other treatment.
Arthrocentesis can often be done in the office with local anesthesia and IV sedation. Arthroscopy, open joint surgery and joint replacement are done in a hospital or surgery center under general anesthesia.
An exam and imaging tell the two apart. It matters because muscle pain rarely needs surgery, while some joint problems do.
Any earlier X-rays, CT or MRI scans, notes on treatments you've tried such as splints, physical therapy or injections, and a list of your medications.
Locations
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
4 Cromwell Place, White Plains, NY
Attending Surgeon
The Bronx, New York
Attending Surgeon
Brooklyn, New York
Contact
Dr. Benichou sees patients at Westchester Implant & Oral Surgery Group in White Plains, New York. Call the office to schedule a visit.