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What Questions Should I Ask My TMJ Oral Surgeon?

The oral surgery team at Oral and Facial Surgeons of Arizona have helped many people correct TMJ concerns with innovating procedures and therapies. Patients who undergo surgical treatment for TMJ problems are encouraged to ask questions of their surgeon before the procedure. This is the best way to receive personalized advice. A TMJ oral surgeon is best qualified to talk about the nature of the procedure and what you can expect to experience.

Are there non-surgical alternatives?

Chances are, if you are consulting with an oral surgeon then you have already exhausted non-surgical avenues of treatment. However, if you are seeking TMJ treatment for the first time, you may wish to ask about alternatives. A patient has to consider many factors when weighing their options, including:

• Long term costs associated with surgery versus alternative treatments
• The level of medical intervention required for non-surgical solutions
• Your ability to stick with the recommended course of treatment
• The potential benefits and drawbacks associated with each treatment
• Whether or not surgery is going to be an inevitable solution

What can I expect from surgery?

Though TMJ surgery has a reputation as being a highly successful, reliable treatment option, the precise outcome of any form of treatment is impossible to guarantee. Understanding the scope of this or any other TMJ treatment is important. Your surgeon can tell you what kind of outcome you can expect and how to give yourself the best chances of success.

What are the benefits and risks of this procedure?

Every surgical technique has associated benefits and potential risks. Though TMJ surgery has been extensively studied and practiced, each procedure is a little different. Your TMJ oral surgeon will explain the benefits and risks associated with the procedure you are about to undergo. If you have concerns about risks, be sure to ask at this time. You can also learn about the success rate of a particular procedure prior to undergoing it. Finally, it is helpful to discover what options are available should the surgical results be less than optimal.

How can I prepare for surgery?

Preparing for TMJ surgery is an important part of ensuring that your treatment is successful. There are a number of things you can do to create optimal circumstances for healing and recovery. For instance, you will probably be asked to stop smoking at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. Some prescription medications may need to be halted or adjusted, so be sure to inform your surgical team of any prescription or over the counter drugs you are using.