You have undergone arthrocentesis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This involves inserting fine needles into the joint space and washing the joint with sterile fluid to reduce inflammation, improve movement, and break up adhesions.
What to Expect After TMJ Arthrocentesis & Arthroscopy
Pain
- It is normal to experience a dull ache in front of the ear immediately after the procedure
- Pain may increase over the first 2–3 days before gradually improving
- Use prescribed or recommended pain relief (e.g. ibuprofen and paracetamol) as directed
Swelling
- Moderate swelling in front of the ear is common
- Swelling may increase for up to 72 hours, then gradually settles
- Applying a cold compress intermittently (10–15 minutes at a time) during the first 24–48 hours may help
Hearing
- A swishing or fluid noise in the ear is common
- This is due to fluid remaining within the joint and will settle over a few days
Bite Changes
- Your teeth may feel like they do not meet normally
- This is temporary and improves as swelling reduces
Temporary Facial Weakness
- You may notice:
- Difficulty raising the eyebrow
- Incomplete eye closure on the treated side
- This is due to local anaesthetic and typically resolves within 24 hours
Bruising
- Mild bruising in front of the ear may occur
- This may appear several days later and resolves naturally over several weeks
Recovery
General Timeline
- Days 1–3: Peak discomfort and swelling
- Days 4–7: Gradual improvement
- 2-6 weeks: Benefit of the procedure usually becomes noticeable
Medication
Take the prescribed postoperative medication regularly for 2 weeks. This may include:
- Paracetamol – for pain relief
- NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen, diclofenac) – for pain relief
- Stomach acid inhibitors (e.g. omeprazole) – to counteract the side effects of NSAIDs
- Opioids (e.g. codeine)
- Laxatives (e.g. senna) – to counteract the side effects of opioids
- Antibiotics (e.g. ciprofloxacin) – to reduce the chance of a joint infection
- Muscle relaxants (e.g. diazepam) – to reduce muscle spasm
How to Maximise Your Outcome from TMJ Arthrocentesis
The goals of arthrocentesis are to reduce pain and improve jaw movement.
Please note that the maximum benefit from the procedure is often not seen until 2+ weeks after the procedure.
Exercises are essential to success.
Jaw Exercises (Critical)
You should begin jaw exercises immediately:
- Open your mouth as wide as possible
- Move your jaw side‑to‑side
- Repeat every 30 minutes for 2 minutes while awake
- Experiencing some increased pain during these exercises is normal.
- Regular movement helps prevent re‑stiffening of the joint
Diet
- Continue the diet that you were on before the procedure.
- If sore, you may prefer a soft diet for a few days
- Avoid excessive jaw clenching or gum chewing
Splint
- If you have a biteguard that helps, wear this at night as usual
When to Seek Medical Advice
Contact our team (enquiries@facialsurgerylondon.co.uk) if you develop:
- Fever
- Increasing pain or swelling after the first 72 hours
- Redness, warmth, or discharge at the injection site
Clinic Review
A review appointment will typically be arranged 2-3 weeks after your procedure.