TMJ Surgery in Auckland

Most patients with TMJ pain can be effectively managed with simple jaw physiotherapy and other non-surgical techniques such as splints, medication and behaviour modification. Surgery is usually considered when conservative treatment has been tried for an adequate period without relief, when imaging confirms internal derangement or arthritis, or when jaw locking and restricted opening significantly affect daily function. At consultation we assess your case in the context of the full TMJ pathway and recommend the least invasive effective option.

Diagnosis and non-surgical management of TMJ conditions, including assessment, physiotherapy and splint therapy, are provided through the Auckland TMJ Centre. Where a case needs surgery, it is carried out by the same surgeons at OMS Specialists. The two work together so your care moves smoothly from assessment to treatment.

These are stages of a single pathway, from least to most invasive. Arthrocentesis is a minimally invasive flushing of the joint to wash out inflammatory mediators and free a stuck disc, performed under IV sedation or general anaesthesia as a day-stay. Arthroscopy is key-hole surgery using a small camera and instruments inserted through tiny incisions in front of the ear, to visualise and treat the joint directly, carried out under general anaesthesia. Open joint surgery and total joint replacement are more involved hospital procedures under general anaesthesia, reserved for advanced joint disease. We consider the least invasive option likely to help first.

TMJ arthroscopy is a key-hole jaw joint procedure using a small camera and instruments inserted through tiny incisions in front of the ear. The joint is visualised directly and adhesions or displaced disc tissue can be addressed. It is performed under general anaesthesia. Our surgeons have trained in minimally invasive jaw-joint surgery in the USA, with surgical TMJ disease a regular area of practice.

Recovery varies significantly with the procedure. Arthrocentesis and arthroscopy patients are typically back to normal activity within a week. Open joint surgery requires several weeks of soft diet and rehabilitation. Total joint replacement involves formal jaw physiotherapy, and most patients regain functional jaw movement over 3 months, with continued improvement up to a year.

With NZ health insurance such as Southern Cross, nib, AIA or Accuro/Unimed, TMJ surgery is usually included under your surgical cover, and we arrange pre-approval in advance. If you are self-paying, the fee depends on which procedure you need, from arthrocentesis through to joint replacement, and the anaesthetic involved. You receive a written, itemised quote at your consultation that covers the consultation, imaging as needed, surgical fee, anaesthetic team and your post-op review.

No referral is needed to request an appointment with OMS Specialists. Tell us a little about your situation and we will be in touch within one business day with available consult times. Dentists, GPs and other specialists can also refer patients electronically via Healthlink or our online referral form, and we acknowledge every referral within 24 to 48 hours.

Very few patients with TMJ problems require a joint replacement. Total joint replacement is reserved for advanced joint disease where less invasive surgery is not enough. The TMJ pathway is staged, and many patients are treated with arthrocentesis or arthroscopy. We discuss what is appropriate for your case at consultation.

Yes. OMS Specialists is a private surgical practice in Newmarket, Auckland, and we see patients who travel in for TMJ surgery. No referral is needed to request an appointment. If you live outside Auckland, contact our rooms and our team will help plan your consultation and surgery around your travel.