TMJ Disorders - Implants
 History of TMJ Implants Types of TMJ Prosthetics TMJ Implants & Their Manufacturers TMJ Implant Problems TMJ Implant Congressional Hearings |
Types of TMJ Prosthetics
A total TMJ prosthesis is a device that is intended to be implanted in the human jaw to replace the mandibular condyle and augment the glenoid fossa to functionally reconstruct the TMJ.
A glenoid fossa prosthesis is a device that is intended to be implanted in the TMJ to augment a glenoid fossa or to provide an articulation surface for the head of a mandibular condyle.
A mandibular condyle prosthesis is a device that is intended to be implanted in the human jaw to replace the mandibular condyle and to articulate within a glenoid fossa.
An interarticular disc prosthesis (interpositional implant) is a device that is intended to be an interface between the natural articulating surface of the mandibular condyle and glenoid fossa.
The TMJ device market has seen the development of prosthetic devices. They are generally made of a combination of various types of metal, acrylic, and plastic, and may be utilized to replace the condyle, fossa, or both. Among those that are no longer available, at least for now, are the ones manufactured by Vitek, Osteomed and TiMesh. The devices remaining on the market are those manufactured by TMJ Implants, Inc.(commonly known as the Christensen), The Temporomandibular Research Foundation (commonly known as the Morgan implant), and TMJ Concepts, which utilized the project team from the original Techmedica device.
In light of the history of TMJ implant devices presented above, and the lack of scientific studies, we approach the discussion here with severe trepidation. We are hearing from many patients with problems of device breakage, screws loosening, and systemic reactions that occurred after implantation of the device. Many patients are being told by their surgeons that their problems are related to the devices. Yet, we are unable to have that information validated in the dental literature. We lack the scientific data to validate any of the claims made by the device manufacturers. It is obvious that total joint replacement should be a treatment of last resort. It should be undertaken only after multiple opinions have been obtained, information obtained on all available devices, and only after communicating with patients in similar situations who have and have not received total joint devices.
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