📞9376 1443 - Noranda 📞6285 6185 - Malaga
Degenerative disc disease or wear and tear of the TMJ disc
Trauma or injury to the TMJ that damages the disc
TMJ disorders causing chronic pain and dysfunction
Failed conservative treatments (medication, physical therapy, splints)
Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis affecting the TMJ
Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health offers a range of therapy services and specialised supports. You can browse by therapy area, explore specialised services, or learn more about the facilities and equipment we use in-clinic .
Preoperative Preparation:
Prior to surgery, your doctor will assess the extent of the disc damage through physical exams, imaging studies (such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI), and a detailed medical history.
You will likely be advised to stop taking certain medications in the days leading up to the procedure and follow other instructions to prepare for surgery.
The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, which means you will be asleep throughout the procedure.
During the Procedure:
The surgeon will make an incision near the ear to access the TMJ area.
The damaged disc is carefully removed and replaced with an artificial disc made from materials such as titanium, polyethylene, or silicone. This artificial disc is designed to mimic the function of a healthy TMJ disc, allowing the jaw to move freely and without pain.
In some cases, other procedures, such as smoothing the bone surfaces or addressing any additional joint issues, may be performed at the same time.
The surgery typically takes between 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the case.
Postoperative Care:
After surgery, you will need to stay in the hospital for a few days for recovery and monitoring.
Swelling, bruising, and pain around the surgical site are common in the first few days. Ice packs and prescribed pain medications can help manage these symptoms.
A soft food diet and jaw rest will be recommended to prevent strain on the healing joint and facilitate recovery.
Initial Recovery:
You will likely stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days after the surgery for pain management and monitoring.
Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are expected in the first week after surgery, but these symptoms usually improve as you heal.
Time to Heal:
The full recovery period can vary, but most patients will begin to feel significant improvements within 6 to 12 weeks. However, complete recovery may take up to 6 months or longer, depending on the individual.
During the first few weeks, you will be encouraged to avoid activities that put stress on the joint, such as excessive chewing or talking.
Return to Work:
For patients with less physically demanding jobs, return to work is often possible within 2 to 4 weeks.
Those with more physically demanding jobs may need up to 6 weeks or more to fully recover before returning to work.
Rehabilitation after TMJ disc replacement is crucial for ensuring optimal recovery and restoring full jaw function. Rehabilitation will typically include jaw exercises, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments to facilitate healing.
Post-Operative Rehabilitation:
Early rehabilitation will focus on managing pain and swelling, as well as preventing stiffness in the jaw.
Gentle jaw exercises will be introduced early to improve mobility and flexibility in the joint.
Gradual increases in exercise intensity and range of motion will help restore normal jaw function over time.
Dietary Adjustments:
For the first few weeks, a soft food diet is recommended to prevent strain on the healing disc and surrounding tissues.
As your healing progresses, you will be able to reintroduce harder foods as tolerated.
Physical Therapy:
Physiotherapists can help you perform exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the jaw, improve jaw movement, and decrease discomfort.
Manual therapy and myofascial release may be used to reduce muscle tension and improve function.
Long-Term Maintenance:
Once the jaw is fully healed, maintaining a healthy TMJ is important. This can be achieved through regular jaw exercises, proper posture, and avoiding behaviors that can strain the joint, such as clenching or grinding teeth.
Follow-up visits with your healthcare provider and physiotherapist will help monitor the health of your new disc and ensure that your jaw remains pain-free.
Palms offers allied health services from our Malaga & Noranda clinics.
 This can be helpful for clients who need a more coordinated approach across mobility, physical function, communication, sensory needs or everyday participation.
Support for daily living skills, sensory needs, functional independence, equipment, home supports & participation at home, school, work & in the community.Â
Assessment, diagnosis & treatment for pain, injuries, rehabilitation, mobility, strength & physical function across all ages.Â
Clinical exercise programs to support chronic condition management, strength, mobility, fitness, rehabilitation & function. Â
Assessment & therapy for communication, speech, language, social communication, voice & swallowing support.Â
At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we specialize in both pre-habilitation and post-operative rehabilitation for TMJ disc replacement surgeries. Our expert physiotherapists are here to support you throughout your entire recovery journey.
Pre-Habilitation:
Strengthening surrounding muscles to improve joint stability and reduce the risk of complications.
Educating you on jaw relaxation techniques and posture to prepare your body for surgery.
Post-Operative Rehabilitation:
Personalized rehabilitation programs designed to improve jaw mobility, reduce pain, and restore function.
Manual therapy, jaw exercises, and education to optimize recovery and ensure a smooth return to daily activities.
Find the right support by discipline, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, exercise physiology and other allied health services.
At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, our experienced team is here to help children and adults manage their condition and improve their quality of life.
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1. How long does recovery take after TMJ disc replacement surgery?
Recovery can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months, with most patients experiencing significant improvement in 2 to 3 months.
2. What are the risks of TMJ disc replacement surgery?
As with any surgery, there are risks including infection, bleeding, nerve damage, or failure of the prosthesis. Your surgeon will provide specific guidelines to minimize these risks.
3. Will I be able to eat solid food right away after surgery?
No, you will need to follow a soft food diet for several weeks post-surgery to allow your jaw to heal properly and avoid stress on the new disc.
4. Will I need physical therapy after TMJ disc replacement?
Yes, physical therapy is a key part of recovery to help restore jaw movement and strength, and reduce the risk of long-term dysfunction.
5. How long does the artificial disc last?
While the artificial disc is designed to last for many years, its longevity can depend on factors such as the patient's age, activity level, and how well they follow post-operative care instructions.
Our Malaga facility is a purpose-built allied health hub with dedicated therapy spaces including a rehabilitation gym, private treatment rooms, Pilates studio, Sensory room & a Paediatric therapy gym.Â
Our Noranda clinic is a welcoming therapy space with private treatment rooms, a well-equipped studio gym area for rehabilitation/strengthening, and specialised therapeutic equipment for Physiotherapyities.Â
At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we provide personalised allied health support for children and adults with a wide range of physical, developmental, rehabilitation, communication, sensory, and functional needs. Therapy is tailored to the individual, with a focus on goals that matter in everyday life.
Depending on the service provided, we may support:
💪 Movement, mobility, strength & physical function
💪 Communication, language, feeding, or swallowing needs where relevant
💪 Sensory regulation, participation & daily routines
💪 Rehabilitation following injury, illness or surgery
💪 Independence with everyday tasks
💪 Confidence in home, school, work & community environments
💪 Practical, goal-focused therapy linked to real-life function
Our approach is individualised, supportive, and focused on meaningful participation in daily life.
We work with children and adults across a range of presentations, including developmental, disability-related, rehabilitation, chronic health, and injury-related needs.
This may include:
👉 Children requiring support with development, play, movement, communication, sensory needs, or everyday function
👉 Adults needing support with recovery, rehabilitation, mobility, communication, physical function, or independence
👉 Self-managed and Plan-managed NDIS participants
👉 Private patients
👉 Eligible Medicare Care Plan patients
👉 DVA clients with appropriate referrals
👉 Workers Compensation clients
👉 Motor Vehicle Accident clients
👉 Aged Care / Home Care Packages
Appointments may be available in clinic, via mobile services, or through telehealth where clinically appropriate.
We support children, adults and older adults with disability, injury, chronic conditions, developmental concerns, communication needs, mobility challenges and rehabilitation goals.
If you’re unsure which facility, service, or technology is the right fit, our team can guide you based on your goals and presentation.Â
Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA)
Provides resources for physiotherapists treating TMJ disorders and post-operative rehabilitation.
Better Health Channel (Victoria)
Offers helpful information on TMJ disc replacement surgery, recovery, and rehabilitation.
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)
Offers information on the surgical management of TMJ disorders, including disc replacement procedures.
HealthDirect Australia
Trusted information on TMJ disc replacement surgery and the recovery process.
Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.Â