jaw surgery is an umbrella term for operations that reposition, reshape, repair, or reconstruct the upper jaw (maxilla) and/or lower jaw (mandible). It is commonly used to correct skeletal bite problems (jaw-related malocclusion), restore function after injury or disease, or improve facial balance. In dentistry, it often overlaps with orthodontics (braces/aligners) because teeth and jaws must fit together for a stable bite. In hospital-based care, it may also be used for trauma, tumors, congenital differences, and airway-related concerns.

jaw correction is a broad term for treatments that improve how the upper and lower jaws fit together. It can involve orthodontics (braces/aligners), jaw growth guidance in younger patients, or jaw surgery in selected cases. In some dental settings, it also includes bite correction using bonded tooth-colored materials to adjust chewing contacts. It is commonly discussed in dentistry, orthodontics, and oral and maxillofacial surgery.

orthognathic surgery is jaw surgery that repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to improve how they fit together. It is commonly used to correct skeletal (bone-based) bite problems that braces alone cannot fully fix. It is planned with orthodontics and performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The goal is to improve function (bite, chewing, speech) and, in some cases, facial balance.

eminectomy is a surgical procedure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the jaw joint in front of the ear. It involves reducing or removing part of the articular eminence, a bony “ridge” of the temporal bone that guides jaw movement. It is most commonly discussed in oral and maxillofacial surgery for recurrent jaw dislocation or chronic jaw “locking” episodes. The goal is to change joint mechanics so the mandibular condyle (the rounded end of the lower jaw) can move more freely back into place.

condylectomy is a surgical procedure that removes part or all of a mandibular condyle (the rounded end of the lower jaw that forms the jaw joint). It is most commonly discussed in relation to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), jaw growth problems, joint damage, or certain tumors. The goal is typically to reduce abnormal bone, restore function, or create a stable joint position. It is usually performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon as part of TMJ or jaw surgery care.

disc displacement is a change in the position of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc relative to the jaw joint surfaces. In plain terms, the small “cushion” inside the jaw joint is not sitting where it usually does. It is most commonly discussed in TMJ-related evaluations for jaw clicking, locking, or limited opening. Clinicians use the term to describe a pattern of joint mechanics, not a dental filling material or a procedure by itself.

TMJ arthroplasty is a surgical procedure to repair, reshape, or reconstruct the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The TMJ is the jaw joint in front of the ear that helps you open, close, and move your jaw. TMJ arthroplasty is commonly used when joint damage or joint “locking” does not improve with non-surgical care. It may involve removing scarred tissue, repositioning structures, or placing a joint implant, depending on the case.

arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to look inside a joint using a small camera. It is commonly performed in orthopedic care (such as knee or shoulder joints). In dental-related care, arthroscopy may be used for the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the joint in front of the ear that helps the jaw open and close. It can be used for diagnosis, treatment, or both, depending on the case.

arthrocentesis is a minimally invasive procedure that enters a joint space with small needles. In dentistry, it most commonly refers to arthrocentesis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the jaw joint in front of the ear. The joint is gently washed (lavaged) with sterile fluid to reduce inflammation and improve movement. It is typically considered when jaw pain or limited opening persists despite conservative care.

TMJ surgery refers to surgical procedures performed on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the joint in front of each ear that connects the lower jaw to the skull. It is used to diagnose, repair, reposition, or replace joint structures that are not responding to conservative (non-surgical) care. TMJ surgery may involve minimally invasive techniques (such as arthrocentesis or arthroscopy) or open-joint operations (arthrotomy). It is most commonly discussed in the context of persistent jaw pain, limited opening, joint locking, or structural joint disease.