Arthrocentesis
Indications: TMJ arthralgia,
Description: Arthocentesis, or joint aspiration, is not truly a surgery and is often performed in the doctors office. TMJ Arthrocentesis is a procedure where the doctor injects saline into the joint to expand the area to possibly allow the disc to move back into place. The doctor then drains the fluid from the joint, to be evaluated. The doctor often injects more solution into the joint to further clean or flush it out. Medication--sterioid or aneshetics--are sometimes injected into the joint. This procedure is sometimes called joint flushing or disc floating.
Post-procedure care: Compressive, cold therapy, pain medication.