Dr. Vicky Jain Plastic Surgeon - Excellence in Cosmetic Surgeries

What is TM Joint Ankylosis (Inability to Open the Mouth)? 

TM Joint Ankylosis (Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis) is a condition where the jaw joint becomes stiff or completely stuck, making it hard or even impossible to open the mouth properly. This usually happens when the joint between the lower jaw (mandible) and the skull becomes fused by bone or scar tissue, often due to an injury, infection, or previous surgery.

Children born with this condition or who develop it early may struggle with eating, speaking, or even breathing properly. It can also affect how their face and jaw grow over time. Treatment often involves surgery to release the fused joint and restore normal mouth opening, helping improve daily functions and overall facial development.

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Why Do People Consider treatment for TM Joint Ankylosis (Inability to Open the Mouth)?​

• 1. Cosmetic Reasons:

• To improve the overall balance and appearance of the face

• To help children feel more confident and comfortable in social situations

• 2. Functional Reasons:

• To improve the ability to open the mouth, which helps with eating, speaking, and brushing teeth

• To make breathing easier, especially during sleep

• To allow proper jaw movement for normal facial expressions and communication

• To prevent or correct facial asymmetry and poor jaw growth caused by limited movement

Dr Vicky Jain Approach to TM Joint Ankylosis (Inability to Open the Mouth)

Dr. Vicky Jain’s approach to TM Joint Ankylosis focuses on restoring natural mouth opening and supporting normal facial growth, especially in children and teens. He uses detailed scans to assess the severity of the jaw fusion and performs precise surgery to remove the fused bone and, if needed, reconstruct the joint using tissue or implants. After surgery, he emphasizes early and consistent jaw exercises (physiotherapy) to maintain movement and prevent the problem from returning. His goal is to help patients eat, speak, and grow normally while also improving facial balance and quality of life.

What is the suitable age group for TM Joint Ankylosis (Inability to Open the Mouth)?

TM Joint Ankylosis can affect people of all ages, but early treatment usually between the ages of 3 to 10 years is ideal, especially in children with restricted mouth opening due to birth defects or early trauma. Treating the condition early helps prevent problems with jaw growth, speech, eating, and facial development. In older children, teens, or adults, surgery is still effective, but earlier intervention often leads to better long-term results. Dr. Vicky Jain tailors the timing of treatment based on how severe the condition is and how it's affecting the patient’s daily life and growth.

How long does recovery take for TM Joint Ankylosis (Inability to Open the Mouth)?

Recovery after surgery for TM Joint Ankylosis typically takes about 4 to 6 weeks, but full improvement can continue over several months. Patients usually stay in the hospital for a few days after surgery. The most important part of recovery is physiotherapy, which starts soon after the operation and continues daily to help keep the jaw moving and prevent it from stiffening again. Swelling and discomfort are common in the first week, but with proper care, most patients gradually regain mouth opening and normal jaw function. Regular follow-ups are needed to ensure healing is on track and to support long-term results.

Tests Requirements

Before treating TM Joint Ankylosis (Inability to Open the Mouth), Dr. Vicky Jain recommends key tests to ensure safe and effective planning. These include basic blood tests to assess overall health, healing capacity, and fitness for surgery, along with viral markers like HIV and Hepatitis B/C for safety. A detailed CT scan of the jaw (TMJ) is essential to understand the extent of bone fusion and joint structure. In growing children, additional evaluations of dental alignment and facial development may also be done. These tests help guide a precise and personalized surgical plan.