Deciding to go ahead with jaw joint surgery is a big step for patients experiencing problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Whether it’s myofascial pain caused by excessive clenching or grinding, internal joint derangement where the joint catches and locks, or arthritis, there are different treatment options available to relieve pain. Often, jaw surgery is recommended when more minimally invasive treatments haven’t been successful.

One of the biggest concerns patients have about undergoing jaw surgery is the recovery process. Knowing more about the common risks, side effects, and post-surgery challenges can help put your mind at ease. As a leading jaw specialist and TMJ specialist in Birmingham, Mr Ross Elledge offers pioneering surgical techniques and a patient-focused approach that sets the benchmark for care and recovery. When you choose Elledge Surgical for assistance with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), you will be in very capable hands.

Common Post-Surgery Challenges

There are three main types of jaw joint surgery for TMJ problems: temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopy, open temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery (arthroplasty) and total temporomandibular joint replacement (TMJR). However, TMJ replacement surgery is a very niche procedure and is rarely performed within the UK, and other surgical options are more common for reducing pain and improving symptoms.

For TMJ arthroscopy patients, recovery tends to be much quicker. It’s an innovative procedure where a small camera is inserted into the joint space of the TMJ. It’s typically done under general anaesthesia and most patients can go home the same day. While there may be some swelling and discomfort to start with, patients can expect to be back to baseline within two weeks, and experience significant improvements in pain and function after six weeks.

More complex cases may require open jaw joint surgery, involving careful incisions in front of the ear that mimic facelift incision to minimise the scarring. You will be required to stay overnight in hospital following the procedure, so you can be carefully monitored and provided with suitable pain relief. Open surgery has a longer recovery, requiring post-operative physiotherapy, and improvements in pain and function are commonly seen around two to three months.

Some of the most common risks associated with TMJ surgery and challenges patients face post-operatively include;

• Swelling, bruising and bleeding.
• Increased pain initially.
• Infection.
• Small, visible scarring.
• Sensory alteration to the lower lip, chin and/or tongue.
• Changes to the bite.
• Temporary or permanent facial weakness/paralysis.
• Inadvertent damage to the skull, ears and/or airway.

While these risks can sound scary, when you choose a trusted surgeon, like Mr Elledge, the likelihood of you experiencing them is uncommon. His significant experience and expertise in jaw surgery will help keep risks to a minimum, giving you the best possible chance of making an uneventful recovery. For peace of mind, to date Mr Elledge has never seen permanent facial palsy cases from TMJ surgery and regularly self-audits surgery results, providing patients with full transparency to support decision-making.

The Importance of Listening to Your Doctor

Listening to your doctor’s advice and adhering to any post-operative instructions can dramatically improve recovery times and long-term outcomes following jaw surgery. A TMJ specialist will provide personalised guidance based on the type and complexity of surgery performed, this may include:

• Resting for the remainder of the week after surgery.
• Taking pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications to minimise side effects.
• Eating a soft diet and avoiding hard or chewy foods.
• Doing gentle jaw exercises to restore movement safely.
• Using a lower occlusal appliance overnight.
• Attending all follow-up appointments for wound assessment and progress monitoring.

Ongoing support from your TMJ surgeon can result in quicker recoveries and fewer complications. It’s always important to voice any concerns you have post-surgery and discuss abnormal symptoms with your surgeon. Open and honest communication can help prevent small problems becoming worse and significantly reduce the need for follow-up surgical treatments. Since the recovery period is fairly short when compared to other types of surgeries, taking your doctor’s advice won’t have too much of an impact on your day-to-day life.

Elledge Surgical’s Commitment to Patient Aftercare

With over two decades of expertise, many patients turn to Ross Elledge for jaw surgery in Birmingham. You are guaranteed to receive compassionate care from start to finish. We use innovative techniques in jaw joint surgery, where Mr Elledge achieves truly exemplary outcomes. When you book an appointment, you will receive an individual consultation to determine the most suitable treatment plan. If surgery is required, Mr Elledge will ensure you fully understand the risks, side effects and expected benefits.

Whenever possible, simple and effective outpatient intervention will be used, such as botulinum toxin injections or steroid injections. If jaw surgery is the best option in your circumstances, minimally invasive procedures and specialist arthroscope systems are used to reduce hospital stays, downtime, and complication rates. For patients needing open joint surgery, incisions are carefully positioned and monitored to reduce scarring and pain, with overnight inpatient care offered and regular reviews scheduled to track recovery. Meticulously planned follow-up care includes post-operative physiotherapy that’s introduced within the first couple of weeks, helping patients restore jaw function and regain confidence.

Patient testimonials consistently highlight Mr Elledge’s professionalism, transparency and expert skill. He will put you at ease throughout, listening to your concerns and being transparent about what jaw surgery involves. The high quality of care and ongoing support is what sets Elledge Surgical apart as a trusted provider of jaw surgery in Birmingham.

Enquire Today

Navigating jaw joint pain and deciding to proceed with corrective jaw surgery can be daunting, but expert support is available every step of the way. If you’re considering the treatment options available for temporomandibular joint disorders, booking a consultation with Elledge Surgical is the best way to find out more about the solution for your individual circumstances. Call us today on +44(0)203 326 3827, email us at enquiries@elledgesurgical.com or use the confidential enquiry form on our website. Taking this first step can set you on the quickest path to recovery and a future free from jaw pain.