I had teflon implants in the 80's. now arthritis. want me to have tmj joint replacement. can i get buy without having surgery?

TMJ: Depending on your symptoms, there are many conservative ways to treat TMJ without surgery. Ask a dentist trained in treating the condition, try a customized mouth guard first.

Complicated: Having the earlier surgery was radical at the time. Yours is a complex case involving your tmj. Arthritis setting into the joint that was compromised limits your choices. Joint replacement surgery is more common and highly successful whether it is knees, hips, or other joints. Talk to your dentist about your concerns.

Maybe: Decision not to treat surgically is always an option that depends on your symptoms and current condition. Teflon implants have been shown to disintegrate over time and today, the design and performance of these joint replacement have improved dramatically. Carefully go over all your choices with a trusted oral surgeon, get other opinions before making the right choice for you.

Complex problem: Very complex problem. Surgery? No information about your current symptoms. With your history, I would go to the nearest academic oral surgery department. Get evaluation by academic oral & maxillofacial surgeon.