TMJ Arthroscopy/Arthrocentesis

Pain

Adult patients that have been prescribed Ketorolac (Toradol) should take this medication every 6 hours as prescribed. This is an anti-inflammatory pain medication that works to control your pain constantly, and to keep it under control. Severe break through pain is very difficult to overcome; Ketorolac (Toradol) can help keep the break through pain less severe. You may also be prescribed a narcotic pain reliever (such as Tylenol #3) for the severe pain, take the medication as directed. The prescribed pain medicine will make you sleepy and will slow down your reflexes. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort following surgery will peak after 2-3 days and then should subside more and more every day. If pain persists, or at any time you feel the level of pain is not managed with the above medications you should call the office. Narcotic pain medications may cause constipation; if this happens you can take an over the counter laxative. Do not wait for severe pain to take medication. As soon as you feel any beginning of discomfort start with the above regimen. Severe breakthrough pain is very difficult to overcome.

Swelling

The swelling that is normally expected is usually proportional to the surgery involved. Swelling in front of the ear and sides of the face is very common. This is the body's normal reaction to surgery and eventual repair. The swelling will not become apparent until 1-2 days following surgery and will not reach its maximum until 2-3 days post-operatively. However, the swelling may be minimized by the immediate use of ice packs. Baggies filled with ice, or ice packs should be applied to the sides of the face where surgery was performed. The ice packs should be left on continuously while you are awake. After 48 hours, ice has no beneficial effect. If swelling or jaw stiffness has persisted for several days, there is no cause for alarm. This is a normal reaction to surgery. Thirty-six hours following surgery, the application of gentle moist heat to the sides of the face is beneficial in reducing the swelling and stiffness. Sleep with your head elevated on two pillows for the first week.

Wound Care

There will be two small stab like incisions with one to two sutures each. These incisions may be covered with Steri-strips. Keep this area clean and dry for the first 2 days after surgery. You can gently clean the area with warm water. The sutures will be removed at your post-operative appointment.

Exercises

Please continue to use the TMD physical therapy phase I instructions.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluid and eat nutritious soft food on the days following your procedure. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable. It may only be comfortable to eat soft or pureed food for few days following surgery however, push yourself to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration

It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems.