What about surgery?

Surgery is generally reserved for patients with severe locking symptoms and/or pain not responding to conservative, medical treatments. Procedures may range from arthrocentesis (rising joint) to open-joint surgery. One of the most successful, yet conservative TMJ surgical procedures is called Modified Condylotomy. It helps reduce pain and locking symptoms by creating an increase in the space within the joint. It does not involve an incision on the face, thus reducing scarring both of the skin and inside the joint.