Total TMJ Replacement Surgery

[Sheena1963]

I'm wondering if anyone has any experience they can share of total TMJ replacement surgery as I'm due to have this surgery soon because my left TMJ is at Wikes L5, meaning the jaw bone has deteriorated so much that it's irreversible and there's nothing else that can be done.
The bone, muscle and nerve pain is horrendous constantly, I can't open my mouth more than 1-2 cm, and I cant sleep.
I'm terrified of having the surgery because of the high risk of visible facial nerve damage and drooping. I can handle the shaved hair and scar round my ear and side of face but not the nerve damage and facial drooping. If you or someone you know has had the surgery or if you work in the field I would really appreciate your comments.

I had tmj surgery 40 years ago following accidental dislocation due to a previously undiscovered congenital dislocation. It was a repair, not a replacement, so not such major surgery as yours will be - however, I think mine was more of a cobbling together than a carefully crafted replacement.
However, like you, I had no choice because of the pain and loss of function, so I just had to accept the risks and hope for the best. My surgeon was the leading specialist in his field at the time.
My head and face were massively swollen post op, which was a shock. It took around 6 weeks for the swelling to go down.
I did suffer a partial facial paralysis post op and for the first year I had to tape my eyelid closed and use artificial tears. I did my physio religiously and it took a year to regain the ability to close my eye.
I had to liquidise my food for around 3 months, then progress to soft food. I still can't manage hard/crunchy foods.
My face is still a bit crooked, but I had part of my jaw removed, not a replacement. I imagine your surgery will be much better and techniques will have improved a lot in 40 years. I have a slightly droopy eyelid, but it isn't a problem.
I wish you all the best.

I haven't had the surgery but I'm living with the same pain and loss of function. Trying to eat, speak and sleep is so difficult and consuming. I'm sorry you're living with this too.

That should read "congenital malformation".

Thank you TMJop. I'm so sorry you had to go through all that, it sounds terrible. I think you're right in that mine will be a planned replacement and that things have moved on a lot in 40 years. Take care