TMJ 'dysfunction' - Health implications

This procedure uses a transpalatal distractor (TPD) inserted onto the palate at the region of the first molar. Using a nasal endoscope for visualization, midpalatal osteotomy is performed with a piezo-electric blade. The midpalatal osteotomy is carried out from the posterior nasal spine (PNS) at the junction between the nasal septum and nasal floor with the blade angling towards the midline. The entire osteotomy is performed with the piezoelectric blade cutting through the nasal mucosa and bone while taking care to avoid injuring palatal mucosa.

Furthermore, in the posterior tuberosity the pterygomaxillary suture is separated with a piezoelectric blade avoiding injury to the intraoral mucosa. The ANS and bone in between the roots of the central incisors is not disturbed. The TPD is activated for 1.5 mm at the completion of the osteotomy to facilitate separation of the mid palatal suture.

The TPD is activated between five and seven days after surgery by 0.3 mm per day. The expansion process is deemed complete when no further clinical improvement with continual expansion is observed or when there has been 7 mm of expansion. Once expansion is completed, the TPD is locked and removed under local anesthesia two months later.

The reported advantages of TPD are that it has numerous advantages compared to that of other surgical widening techniques:
• It is dramatically less invasive.
• It minimises patient trauma, pain and swelling.
• It is a single-stage operation in which the distractor is placed at the same time as the bone operation.
• It does not require an incision at the front part of the mouth.
• It results in a smaller gap between the front teeth (usually 2-3 mm) that can be eliminated easily using orthodontics.
• It achieves opening of the entire nasal airway, especially the back of the nose and palate.

It is mainly used for the treatment of sleep apnoea but has the potential of a much wider application orthodontically.

If any practitioner of this technique wishes to supply any pre and post-op photographs and contact info for referrals it is most welcome.
© 2024 Dr M. Amir. All rights reserved.

Challenging the existing standards in dental and medical care comes with significant costs. Through my website and this forum, I have highlighted practices that, whether intentionally or unintentionally, contribute to ongoing illness. This disruption is not welcomed by the authorities overseeing our healthcare system. To continue publishing evidence-based articles, sharing discoveries from my own patients' experiences that have led to their recoveries through a unique approach, and educating thousands of health professionals and patients globally, we require some support. If this article has substantially enhanced your understanding, please consider making a donation through this link: PLEASE CLICK TO DONATE

Thank you! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has generously contributed. Your support is deeply valued and enables Dr. Amir to persist in his mission of fostering improved dental and medical practices globally.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------NOTICE-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This article is written in accordance with the Human Rights Act 1998: UK Public General Acts 1998 c. 42 SCHEDULE 1 PART I Article 10, with the intent of serving the resilient British public. This legislation clearly states, Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority. We are committed to addressing any form of harassment, whether direct or indirect, by government bodies or their affiliates, in line with this act and the principles that protect freedom of expression. Additionally, any breaches of the Data Protection Act will be promptly reported to the Information Commissioner's Office and The Law Society ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Disclaimer: This educational article focuses on health benefits from individual perspectives and doesn't imply widespread results. Important to seek a doctor's advice before taking action. It's meant to enhance, not substitute for, medical advice and doesn't detail all possible uses or risks. Always prioritize professional medical advice over information read here.