Total prosthetic replacement of the temporomandibular joint

The condition

The temporomandibular joint is the joint between the jaw and the skull. Temporomandibular joint problems can be caused by arthritis, injury or problems after surgery. Symptoms include pain and difficulty opening and closing the mouth, and not being able to eat normally.

Non-surgical treatments are usually tried first. These include resting the jaw, bite splints, medication or a corticosteroid injection into the jaw joint. If other treatments have not worked, surgical options are considered.

NICE has looked at using total prosthetic replacement of the temporomandibular joint as another treatment option.

NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk) may be a good place to find out more.