TMJ Treatment
IS TMJ SURGERY DANGEROUS
Huntersville (Charlotte Metro), NC
Understanding the real risks so you can make a confident decision about treatment.
Understanding the real risks so you can make a confident decision about treatment.
For most patients, TMJ surgery is not dangerous. Modern techniques have made temporomandibular joint procedures highly predictable, with success rates above 90% for the most common approaches. At Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery, Dr. Raymond J. Haigney II, FACS has extensive experience treating TMJ disorders across the full spectrum of severity, from conservative therapies to surgical intervention when warranted.
That said, any surgical procedure carries some degree of risk. The key is understanding which risks apply to your specific situation, how likely they are, and what your surgeon does to minimize them. This page breaks down the real safety profile of TMJ surgery so you can weigh the evidence rather than rely on fear.
TMJ surgery has evolved significantly over the past two decades. Advances in imaging, arthroscopic instruments, and surgical technique have reduced complication rates and shortened recovery times substantially. The temporomandibular joint is a well-studied structure, and board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons train for years specifically on its anatomy and pathology.
Key safety factors include:
Arthrocentesis is the least invasive TMJ procedure. The surgeon inserts two small needles into the joint space to flush out inflammatory debris and break up adhesions. It is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation and takes less than 30 minutes. Complication rates are extremely low, generally below 2%, and serious complications are rare.
TMJ arthroscopy uses a small camera and specialized instruments inserted through a tiny incision near the ear. The surgeon can visualize the joint directly, remove scar tissue, reposition the disc, and smooth irregular surfaces. Success rates for arthroscopic TMJ surgery range from 80% to 95% depending on the condition being treated. Risks include temporary numbness near the ear (typically resolves within weeks), minor bleeding, and, very rarely, injury to surrounding structures.
Open joint surgery, or arthrotomy, is reserved for severe cases where the disc is badly damaged, the joint has significant bony changes, or previous less-invasive procedures have not provided relief. This approach gives the surgeon full access to repair, reposition, or replace damaged structures. Recovery is longer (typically four to six weeks), and risks include facial nerve irritation, changes in bite alignment, and infection. However, for patients who truly need open surgery, the benefits of restoring jaw function and eliminating chronic pain far outweigh these risks.
In rare cases where the joint is severely degenerated or has failed previous surgeries, a custom or stock joint prosthesis may be recommended. Total joint replacement is the most complex TMJ surgery, but outcomes have improved dramatically with modern prosthetic designs. Long-term success rates exceed 90% in published studies, and most patients experience significant pain reduction and improved jaw opening.
Every surgical procedure has potential complications. For TMJ surgery, the most commonly cited risks include:
Serious complications such as permanent nerve damage, hearing loss, or joint replacement failure are rare, occurring in fewer than 1% to 3% of cases in peer-reviewed studies.
Surgery is not the first-line treatment for TMJ disorders. Most patients respond to conservative measures such as oral appliances (splints), physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, and behavioral modifications. Surgery becomes necessary when:
Dr. Haigney thoroughly evaluates each patient with clinical examination, imaging, and a review of prior treatments before recommending surgery. If a less invasive option has a reasonable chance of success, it is always explored first.
The single most important factor in surgical safety is choosing a qualified surgeon. Board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons complete four to six years of hospital-based residency training after dental school, including extensive work on the temporomandibular joint, facial trauma, and orthognathic surgery. Ask about your surgeon's experience with your specific procedure, their complication rates, and the facility's accreditation.
Other steps you can take:
If you are living with chronic jaw pain, clicking, locking, or limited opening and want to understand whether surgery is appropriate for your situation, Dr. Haigney and the team at Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery are here to help. We will review your history, imaging, and treatment goals and give you a straightforward assessment of your options, including the realistic risks and benefits of each approach. Call (704) 987-3132 or request an appointment online.
Related Article: What Is the Main Cause of TMJ?
Words cannot express enough, how wonderful, caring and professional Dr. Haigney and his staff are! After being rushed to the Huntersville hospital with an orbital fracture, broken nose and other facial damage, Dr. Haigney rushed me into surgery (on his day off I must add) and corrected all my problems. I only wish all doctors cared as much about their patients and their recovery as Dr. Haigney and his staff did. Thank you so much for everything! Your attention and compassion has helped me make my recovery as comfortable as possible. 5 star service!
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