Is there a way to tell when you need tmj surgery?

Several ways: Only your TMJ specialist can determine whether or not surgery would be helpful. Most patients don't need surgery. However, if the disc is displaced or the jaw is "locked", surgery such as arthroscopy or arthroplasty has a high success rate in relieving pain and restoring normal function. A TMJ MRI is the best way to visualize the inside of the joint and will help determine the need for surgery.

Detailed Consult: You will need a comprehensive evaluation, preferably with an oral surgeon that will include a detailed clinical examination with appropriate imaging studies to determine what type of TMJ disorder you have. After evaluation of your clinical findings and imaging studies, your surgeon can advise you if TMJ surgery is indicated.

Last option: Tmj surgery should be the last option after all conservative procedures have been attempted. True, if there has been severe trauma, then some surgery cannot wait. A thorough history and exam, including x-rays, an mri, etc. May be needed to determine if surgery should be considered.

Look at all options: Tmj surgery with or without replacement is high risk surgery. Your surgeon should be able to give more exact idea of success rates. Get other opinions, including non-surgical choices and doing nothing. List the benefits and the risks with each choice and go with the one that you are most comfortable with.

Intolerable symptoms: Tmj surgery is not "high risk". A fallacy. If your symptoms are intolerable, if you have had indicated conservative treatment but your pain persists - see a conservative TMJ surgeon to explore your options.