Has anyone had jaw surgery for bad TMJ problems? Mine has gone on for many years and the pain is now really getting to me. Five years ago a maxillofacial consultant told me that I have osteoarthritis in my jaw.
My x-rays show significant bone loss and the meniscus has disappeared on one side. The dentist was socked at what he saw and said I may well need surgery and that I'm a complex case. A few months ago he has referred me back to hospital but, not surprisingly, there is a massive backlog and they reckon it could take a year or more before I'm even seen in outpatients. Meanwhile, I'm using a night guard (even though I don't grind my teeth) and am following the general advice given.
I shall consider going privately but before I explore that route, has anyone got experience of any type of surgery for this sort of problem? Was it successful and do you think it was worth it?
Thank you in advance for your comments and advice!