Does TMJ Surgery Change Your Face? What To Expect

If you are considering treatment for jaw discomfort, you might wonder, ”Does TMJ surgery change your face?” It’s a common question and a good one. After all, your jaw plays a big part in shaping your facial appearance.

Here, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about what happens before, during, and after TMJ surgery, helping you feel fully informed about the journey ahead.

TMJ Disorders and Their Impact

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts as a sliding hinge between your jawbone and skull. When it becomes inflamed, misaligned, or damaged, it can cause a wide range of problems. Common symptoms include jaw pain, clicking sounds, difficulty chewing, headaches, and even earaches.

For many people, TMJ treatment options like mouthguards, physical therapy, and medications offer enough relief without surgical intervention.

However, in severe cases, surgery may be necessary to restore function and reduce discomfort. Before thinking about changes to facial appearance, it’s important to know the reason behind the procedure: improving your quality of life.

When Is TMJ Surgery Needed?

Surgery for TMJ disorders is generally recommended when other treatments have not relieved the pain or when structural problems in the joint are causing major issues.

When is TMJ surgery needed? It typically involves considering things like chronic jaw locking, inability to open the mouth fully, or joint damage visible on imaging scans.

At Brookhaven Dental Associates, we focus heavily on non-invasive options first. Only after careful evaluation do we discuss surgical possibilities, so you know you're receiving the most thoughtful care possible.

TMJ Surgery Process: What Happens?

The TMJ surgery process can differ depending on the condition of your joint and the type of procedure needed. There are several surgical options:

Arthrocentesis: A minimally invasive procedure that uses small needles to wash out the joint.

Arthroscopy: Involves inserting a small camera and instruments into the joint to repair damage.

Open-Joint Surgery: Used for more complex cases where complete joint reconstruction might be necessary.

No matter which procedure is right for you, Brookhaven Oral Surgery focuses on precision, comfort, and the safest possible experience. During your consultation, we explain the surgical steps clearly, helping you feel confident about your care plan.

While TMJ surgery often helps restore natural facial balance, it’s important to have a grounded understanding of what to expect.

Adjusting Expectations: Realistic Outcomes After TMJ Surgery

Before undergoing TMJ surgery, it’s important to approach the process with realistic expectations. While many patients experience distinct improvements in pain, mobility, and even subtle facial balance, the primary goal of TMJ surgery remains functional restoration. Not dramatic aesthetic change. 

Every individual’s anatomy, healing response, and condition severity are different, meaning outcomes can be different from person to person.

It’s natural to hope that correcting the joint will bring visible benefits, especially if TMJ issues have contributed to asymmetry or muscle tightness. However, it’s better to view any cosmetic improvements as a bonus rather than a guaranteed result. 

In some cases, restoring proper joint alignment can help muscles relax and allow facial features to soften, offering a more refreshed appearance. Other times, changes are more internal, felt through reduced tension and improved jaw movement rather than seen outwardly.

Clear communication with your oral surgeon is imperative to setting goals and knowing the full scope of recovery. At Brookhaven Dental Associates, we take time to walk patients through potential outcomes, so no one feels unprepared or disappointed. 

We believe that healing is as much about setting the right mindset as it is about following medical guidance. Confidence in your care team and clarity about the road ahead can make all the difference in feeling satisfied with the results of TMJ surgery.

Does TMJ Surgery Change Your Face?

Now to the main question. Does TMJ surgery change your face? The honest answer is this: it depends on your situation.

For some people, TMJ disorders cause facial asymmetry or a collapsed jawline. Correcting the joint structure can restore a more balanced look. 

In these cases, you might actually notice your face looking more symmetrical and healthier after healing.

However, TMJ surgery is not designed to radically alter your appearance. The focus remains on function and comfort, not cosmetic change. Most patients find that any visual changes are subtle, usually improvements rather than dramatic shifts.

Why TMJ Disorders Can Affect Facial Appearance

When your jaw joint isn’t functioning properly, the surrounding muscles often compensate in ways they shouldn’t. This strain can cause one side of the face to look different from the other. Over time, misaligned chewing patterns may even influence bone structure.

Correcting the underlying issue through surgery helps relieve these tensions. As healing occurs, your muscles relax, which can restore a more natural, refreshed look. In that sense, surgery can help your face return to its intended balance.

Recovery After TMJ Surgery

Healing after TMJ surgery is a gradual process that demands patience. Swelling is normal and can sometimes make your face appear puffy temporarily. This swelling usually peaks within the first few days and gradually diminishes over several weeks.

Your surgeon will guide you through a personalized recovery plan, including:

• Eating a soft diet to protect the healing joint

• Taking prescribed medications to control pain and inflammation

• Attending follow-up appointments to monitor progress

• Practicing gentle jaw exercises, if recommended

Brookhaven Dental Associates focuses heavily on recovery education because we believe informed patients heal better and faster.

TMJ Treatment Before Opting for Surgery

At Brookhaven Dental Associates, we’re committed to conservative treatment approaches whenever possible. Before considering surgery, we often explore other TMJ treatment options.

Custom nightguards are frequently the first step. These guards help cushion the joint and guide your bite into a healthier position. But do TMJ nightguards actually work?

Many patients experience measurable relief with them! Nightguards can reduce clenching, prevent further joint wear, and often improve sleep quality by minimizing nighttime jaw tension.

Other non-surgical TMJ therapies include:

• Physical therapy to stretch and strengthen jaw muscles

• Anti-inflammatory medications to ease swelling

• Stress management techniques to reduce clenching

• Dental treatments to correct bite misalignment

Our goal is to exhaust all non-surgical paths before even discussing surgery.

What Is a Good Candidate for TMJ Surgery?

Good candidates for TMJ surgery are typically individuals who have tried other treatments without success. If pain is persistent, movement is restricted, or imaging reveals structural damage, surgery might be recommended.

We evaluate each patient individually, recognizing that no two TMJ cases are exactly alike.

Some common characteristics include:

• Severe pain that does not respond to therapy

• Difficulty opening and closing the mouth

• Structural abnormalities seen on MRI or CT scans

• Chronic jaw locking episodes

Brookhaven Oral Surgery specializes in personalizing treatment to meet each of our patient’s unique needs, offering real solutions that prioritize both function and comfort.

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

Healing timelines vary depending on the type of surgery performed. Minimally invasive procedures usually allow patients to return to normal activities within a few weeks. Open-joint surgeries, on the other hand, can require several months for full recovery.

Patience is highly recommended. As swelling subsides and mobility improves, many patients start noticing subtle positive changes in their facial appearance and overall comfort. Full results often appear gradually over time, revealing the surgery’s true benefits.

The Importance of Post-Surgical Care

Following post-surgical guidelines is necessary to protect the repaired joint and promote the best outcome. Simple practices like sticking to a soft diet, attending physical therapy, and avoiding jaw overuse can greatly impact your healing experience.

Brookhaven Dental Associates supports you every step of the way. We answer all your questions, monitor your recovery closely, and adjust your care plan if needed. Your comfort, health, and confidence are always our top priorities.

TMJ Surgery and Emotional Well-Being

Chronic TMJ pain can deeply affect mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, or social withdrawal. Undergoing successful TMJ surgery often brings emotional benefits as well, helping you reclaim your quality of life.

Patients frequently report:

• Increased self-confidence

• Renewed ability to enjoy social meals

• Better sleep due to reduced nighttime clenching

• Improved mood from living pain-free

We are proud to witness these transformations and feel honored to be part of your healing journey.

Brookhaven Dental Associates: Your Partner in TMJ Relief

Brookhaven Dental Associates knows how deeply TMJ issues can impact your life. That’s why we offer a full selection of diagnosis, therapy, and surgical solutions right here in Atlanta, GA. Our team takes the time to listen to your symptoms, examine your bite, and discuss every available treatment option with you.

We believe in building strong patient relationships based on trust, transparency, and compassion. Whether you need a simple mouthguard adjustment or a full surgical consultation, we are committed to delivering the highest standard of care in every interaction.

When surgery becomes necessary, our oral surgery services bring peace of mind. Our skilled team of surgeons work to coordinate your care, keeping you informed, comfortable, and supported throughout your journey.

We believe this collaborative approach sets us apart and leads to better outcomes for our patients.

If you have any questions about Brookhaven Dental Associates or need guidance about TMJ care, feel free to contact us. We are here to help you feel your best every step of the way!