TMJ Surgery in St. Petersburg, FL
TMJ Surgery: When Conservative Care Is Insufficient
Although 90% of TMJ patients achieve lasting relief through conservative management, some patients with severe structural disorders require surgical intervention. At Boland Mannari Aguirre Oral, Facial & Dental Implant Surgery, Drs. Boland, Mannari, and Aguirre—all board-certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons with specialized TMJ training—offer comprehensive surgical solutions tailored to the complexity of your condition.
The Surgical Ladder: Minimally Invasive to Advanced Reconstruction
Our surgeons follow a graduated approach, starting with the least invasive option and advancing only as needed based on your specific diagnosis.
Arthrocentesis (Joint Lavage)
The simplest surgical intervention, arthrocentesis involves gentle aspiration and irrigation of the joint space without any incision. This minimally invasive procedure is performed under light anesthesia and addresses inflammation, debris, and adhesions within the joint capsule. Many patients experience significant pain relief from this single procedure.
- Recovery: Same-day or next-day return to normal activity
- Anesthesia: Local or twilight sedation
- Cost range: See our TMJ Surgery Cost page for details
Arthroscopy (Minimally Invasive Joint Surgery)
Using a slender camera and specialized instruments, arthroscopy allows our surgeons to directly visualize the joint, diagnose pathology, and treat it without large incisions. Procedures performed arthroscopically include:
- Disc repositioning — restoring the articular disc to its proper position
- Adhesion lysis — releasing scar tissue limiting joint motion
- Synovial plication — tightening the joint capsule to stabilize the disc
Arthroscopy offers faster healing, minimal scarring, and excellent outcomes for many patients.
- Recovery: 7–14 days before resuming normal diet; 2–4 weeks for full activity
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia
Open Joint Surgery
For more complex disc problems or extensive joint pathology, open surgical approaches provide the access needed for definitive repair:
- Disc repair — using allografts, autografts, or fat grafts to restore damaged articular disc tissue
- Partial disc meniscectomy — removing severely damaged, non-repairable disc material
- Orthognathic correction — adjusting jaw position to optimize joint loading and function
Our surgeons are highly experienced in these techniques and use them only when less invasive options are insufficient.
- Recovery: 2–4 weeks before resuming normal diet; 6–8 weeks for full activity
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia
TMJ Reconstruction and Joint Replacement
For patients with severe, degenerative joint disease—from trauma, arthritis, or long-standing dysfunction—total joint reconstruction or replacement may be the best solution. This advanced surgical approach restores jaw function and eliminates pain in cases where other interventions have failed.
- Recovery: 4–6 weeks before returning to regular diet; 8–12 weeks for full activity
- Results: Significant pain relief and improved function in candidates with severe joint destruction
Candidacy for TMJ Surgery
You may be a candidate for TMJ surgery if:
- You have failed conservative management (splint therapy, physical therapy, medication) after 3–6 months
- Diagnostic imaging (MRI or CT) confirms structural joint pathology
- You experience chronic pain, limited opening, or recurrent joint locking
- You are motivated to follow post-operative care instructions
- Your overall health permits surgery
Our surgeons will review your imaging, examine your joint function, and discuss which surgical approach—if any—is appropriate for your specific diagnosis.
Recovery and Outcomes
Recovery varies by procedure complexity:
- Arthrocentesis: Minimal restriction; most patients resume normal diet immediately or within 24 hours
- Arthroscopy: Soft diet for 1–2 weeks; full activity in 3–4 weeks
- Open surgery: Soft diet for 3–4 weeks; full activity in 6–8 weeks
- Joint reconstruction: Progressive diet advancement; full recovery 8–12 weeks
Post-operative physical therapy is essential for all TMJ surgeries to restore proper joint mechanics, strengthen supporting muscles, and prevent recurrence. Our team provides detailed home care instructions and can refer you to specialized jaw rehabilitation specialists.
Cross-Links and Related Care
TMJ surgery often complements other jaw procedures. Patients with TMJ dysfunction and bite problems may benefit from combined [corrective jaw surgery]. Learn more about TMJ non-surgical alternatives or return to the TMJ Specialist hub.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you have struggled with TMJ pain and believe you may benefit from surgical evaluation, schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified surgeons. We will review your history, perform a thorough examination, order appropriate imaging, and discuss all treatment options—both surgical and non-surgical—to help you make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Surgery
Procedure time varies: arthrocentesis takes 10–20 minutes; arthroscopy typically 45–90 minutes; open joint surgery 90–180 minutes depending on complexity. Your surgeon will provide a more precise estimate based on your specific condition.
Recovery depends on the procedure. Arthrocentesis allows same-day return to normal activity. Arthroscopy typically requires 2–4 weeks for full recovery. Open joint surgery requires 6–8 weeks. Joint reconstruction may require 8–12 weeks. Your surgeon will provide detailed post-operative guidelines.
Yes. Post-operative physical therapy is essential for all TMJ surgeries. A specialized jaw rehabilitation therapist will guide you through exercises to restore joint mobility, strengthen muscles, and prevent stiffness. This typically begins 1–2 weeks after surgery and continues for 4–8 weeks.
Most medical and dental insurance plans provide coverage for TMJ surgery when there is documented structural pathology and failure of conservative care. We verify your benefits and submit pre-authorization requests before surgery. See our TMJ Surgery Cost page for more details.
All surgery carries risk. Potential complications include temporary jaw stiffness, numbness, infection, or incomplete pain relief. However, complications from TMJ surgery are relatively rare when performed by an experienced board-certified surgeon. We will discuss specific risks and benefits during your consultation.
Patient Testimonials
Hear from our patients about their experiences with TMJ Surgery and other procedures.
"Hi, my name is Aiden. I live in Seminole, and I came to Boland, Mannari, Aguirre Oral Facial and Dental Implant Surgery to have my wisdom teeth removed. When I first walked into this practice, I felt welcomed. My experience with the staff here was excellent. My doctor was caring after and before the surgery and very professional. The removal of my wisdom teeth has allowed me to keep up my dental hygiene easier. Having a healthy smile is important for everyone because it helps with eating, chewing, and your presentation. My overall experience with this practice was excellent. I would definitely recommend Boland, Mannari, and Aguirre to other people. Their care was phenomenal."
"Hi, I'm Al from St. Petersburg, and I came to Boland, Mannari, Aguirre for a full-arch. I was very impressed with the staff at this practice. They were professional. My doctor has a wonderful chairside manner and puts you at ease right away. He's stayed in touch and has been very attentive. I'm very pleased with the procedure and the recovery. I feel much more confident with my new arch. It's important for me to have a healthy smile. Makes me feel better and more confident. I would definitely recommend Boland, Mannari, and Aguirre to anyone that's looking for oral surgeries. They were just fantastic."
"Hi, my name is Ales, and I'm from St. Petersburg. I came to Boland Mannari Aguirre Oral, Facial & Dental Implant Surgery. The entire staff here was extremely welcoming and extremely helpful. My doctor and I immediately clicked. I saw how extremely professional he was, how talented he was in his ability to walk me through my procedure. My procedure here went extremely well. My recovery has been unbelievable, so I'm very happy. Post has been life-changing for the better. Having a good smile gives you self-esteem, and builds up your reputation in the community. My overall experience with this practice has been unbelievably great. To all my friends and family in St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Clearwater, I highly recommend Boland Mannari Aguirre Oral, Facial & Dental Implant Surgery."
"Hi, I'm Brian from St. Pete, and I came to Boland, Mannari, Aguirre for dental implants. When I first walked into this practice, I was warmly greeted. I felt very relaxed. My doctor was very knowledgeable and professional yet very personable. Put me at ease, fully explained the process. My procedure went excellent. Everything had been explained to me in advance. Recovery was very smooth. Happy to have had my tooth restored. Having a healthy smile is very important. It's a reflection of your personality, instills self-confidence. I would highly recommend Boland, Mannari, and Aguirre to others. Fantastic experience."
Carol
St. Petersburg
"Hi, I'm Carol from St. Petersburg. I came to Boland, Mannari, and Aguirre to have a problem tooth extracted. When I first walked into the practice, I felt totally at home and at ease, and the staff made me feel comfortable. My doctor was awesome. The bedside manner was unbelievable. I appreciated all the time that the doctor spent with me, and I was very happy with the service. My quality of life has been so much better. I smile. I'm happy. It is just unbelievably important to me to have a healthy smile at this time in my life. I feel like I deserve it. I would come back here any day of the week. I would recommend Boland, Mannari, and Aguirre to anyone who is looking for dental help."
"Hi, I'm Crystal from St. Pete, and I came to Boland, Mannari, Aguirre Oral Facial Dental Implant Surgery. Staff here makes you feel welcomed from the moment you walk through the front door throughout your entire procedure. When I first walked into the doctor's office, I felt very comfortable. He explained everything throughout the entire procedure. Procedures went very well. It's very important for me to have a healthy smile. I think your smile is the presentation of you. To all my friends and family in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, I highly recommend Dr. Boland, Mannari, and Aguirre."
"I'm Elena, and I am from South Tampa. I came to Boland, Mannari, and Aguirre for implants. When I came to the office, the staff was extremely friendly. Extremely professional doctor. His experience—excellent. Very easy procedure. Everything right now works perfect. This is the best practice for me. I'm highly recommending Dr. Boland, Mannari, and Aguirre. If you want to have your smile back, if you want your health back, just come to this office."
"Hi, I'm Julie from Sarasota, and I came to Boland Mannari Aguirre Oral, Facial & Dental Implant Surgery for both TMJ and orthognathic surgeries. When I first walked into this practice, I felt very comfortable and at ease. The staff at this practice is absolutely amazing. My doctor is a kind and caring man. He's an amazing surgeon, and I've had great outcomes. It's very important to me to have a healthy smile. My overall experience with this practice has been great. To all my friends and family in Town and Country, Largo, and Palm Harbor, I would highly recommend Boland Mannari Aguirre."
"Hi, I'm Kyle from Lutz, and I came to Boland Mannari Aguirre Oral, Facial & Dental Implant Surgery for dental implants. The staff has always been super friendly. My doctor is extremely knowledgeable, very helpful, and accessible. My quality of life has definitely improved as a result of this practice. It's very important for me to have a healthy smile; I deal with the public on a daily basis. My overall experience with this practice has just been phenomenal. I would definitely recommend Boland Mannari Aguirre Oral, Facial & Dental Implant Surgery to anyone. It was definitely a life-changer for me to have the implants done here."
Advanced Surgical Solutions for Complex TMJ Disorders
When conservative care is insufficient, Drs. Boland, Mannari, and Aguirre offer board-certified expertise in every surgical approach—from minimally invasive arthroscopy to full joint reconstruction. Schedule your consultation to explore your options.