TMJ Arthroscopy Surgery

Dr. Nehal Patel - Unlock Jaw Relief with Advanced TMJ Arthroscopy
Director of nuFace Maxillofacial & Dental Hospital
MDS – Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, TMJ Arthroscopist
15+ Years of Experience | 6,000+ Successful Surgeries
Are you struggling with persistent jaw pain or discomfort?
nuFace Maxillofacial & Dental Hospital, under the expert leadership of Dr. Nehal Patel, offers advanced, minimally invasive TMJ Arthroscopy Surgery to bring you lasting relief.
Dr. Patel, a highly skilled Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon and TMJ Arthroscopist, is dedicated to helping patients reclaim a pain-free life through advanced, personalized treatments.
What is TMJ Arthroscopy?
TMJ Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to diagnose and treat disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jawbone to your skull.
This joint is responsible for essential movements like chewing, speaking, and yawning, but when it malfunctions, it can lead to severe pain, restricted movement, and ongoing discomfort.
At nuFace, Dr. Nehal Patel and his experienced team use arthroscopy as a highly effective alternative to traditional open surgery.
This technique involves inserting a hair-thin, 1.9mm camera (arthroscope) into the joint through a tiny skin puncture — not a surgical incision — allowing precise visualization and targeted treatment without any cutting or stitches. Because access is this minimal, TMJ arthroscopy is usually performed as a day-care procedure, with most patients discharged the same day.
Watch: TMJ Arthroscopy Step-by-Step (Level 1 & Level 2)
For a closer look at the procedure, Dr. Nehal Patel has shared step-by-step surgical walkthroughs of both Level 1 and Level 2 TMJ arthroscopy.
Level 1 TMJ Arthroscopy
Level 2 TMJ Arthroscopy
See Inside the Joint: Real Arthroscopic Images
These images were captured directly during TMJ arthroscopy procedures performed by Dr. Nehal Patel, showing the inside of the joint through the 1.9mm arthroscope.



Watch: TMJ Arthroscopy Being Performed
A short clip from theatre showing Dr. Nehal Patel performing TMJ arthroscopy. The 1.9mm arthroscope enters the joint through a single small skin puncture, with no surgical incision and no stitches.
Why Choose TMJ Arthroscopy at nuFace?
Under the direction of Dr. Nehal Patel, nuFace offers dedicated TMJ Arthroscopy Surgery.
Here's why:
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Minimally Invasive Expertise:
TMJ arthroscopy at nuFace is performed through a tiny skin puncture, not an incision — the 1.9mm arthroscope is fine enough to enter the joint without cutting or stitches. This means less pain, virtually no visible scarring, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery, and it is usually done as a day-care procedure with same-day discharge. -
Expert Care:
Dr. Nehal Patel, an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon and TMJ Arthroscopist, is an experienced specialist in TMJ disorders. With his extensive experience and specialized knowledge, you can trust that your treatment is in the best hands. -
Personalized Treatment Plans:
Every TMJ condition is unique. At nuFace, we tailor our approach to each patient’s specific needs, ensuring that you receive a customized treatment plan designed for long-term relief and optimal jaw function. -
Comprehensive Recovery Support:
Our team is with you every step of the way, from diagnosis to recovery. We provide detailed post-surgical care instructions and ongoing support to ensure a smooth and effective recovery.
Dr. Nehal Patel is Faculty at TMJ Surgery Mini Residency. View faculty listing
nuFace Maxillofacial & Dental Hospital is recognized as an AO CMF International Fellowship Host Center. View host centers
What TMJ Arthroscopy Can Treat?
TMJ disorders can manifest in various ways, but with arthroscopy, we can precisely address multiple conditions, including:
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Disc Perforation:
When the articular disc develops a tear or perforation, arthroscopy allows Dr. Patel to directly visualize the damage and treat it appropriately, addressing pain and restricted jaw movement. -
Inflamed Joint Lining (Synovitis):
Chronic inflammation within the TMJ can cause significant discomfort. Arthroscopy helps to remove or treat the inflamed lining, reducing pain and restoring normal function. -
Loose Debris:
Tiny pieces of bone or cartilage can become dislodged and accumulate within the joint. Arthroscopy enables the removal of these debris particles, much like cleaning out a cluttered attic, to improve joint mobility. -
Bony Impingement:
Arthroscopy allows for precise removal or smoothing of bone that is impinging on joint movement, relieving restriction and discomfort. -
TMJ Arthritis:
Degenerative or inflammatory arthritis affecting the TMJ can be evaluated and managed arthroscopically, helping to reduce pain and preserve joint function. -
Conditions Refractory to Conservative Management:
When splint therapy, medication, or physiotherapy fail to relieve symptoms, arthroscopy offers an effective option for diagnosis and treatment.
TMJ Arthroscopy vs. Arthrocentesis: Why It Matters
Patients researching TMJ treatment often come across arthrocentesis, a simpler needle-based technique that flushes the joint with fluid. While arthrocentesis can offer temporary relief, it doesn’t let the surgeon see what’s actually happening inside the joint.
TMJ arthroscopy uses a 1.9mm camera to directly visualize the joint and actively treat the underlying problem — releasing adhesions, treating inflamed tissue (synovitis), addressing disc displacement, and removing loose bone or cartilage fragments — rather than simply flushing it.
A growing body of research, including recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses, has found that arthroscopy achieves greater improvement in jaw pain during movement and function compared to arthrocentesis, while both procedures carry similarly low complication rates.
The Benefits of Minimally Invasive TMJ Arthroscopy
nuFace Maxillofacial & Dental Hospital is proud to offer TMJ Arthroscopy as a minimally invasive solution for jaw pain and dysfunction.
Here’s what you can expect:
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Reduced Pain and Discomfort:
Because arthroscopy accesses the joint through a tiny skin puncture rather than an incision, the procedure is far less traumatic for the tissues around the TMJ, leading to significantly less post-operative pain compared to open surgery. -
Faster Recovery Time:
With no incision and minimal tissue disruption, patients typically recover faster and return to daily activities sooner — arthroscopy is usually a day-care procedure, so most patients go home the same day. -
Minimal Scarring:
Because the 1.9mm arthroscope enters through a skin puncture rather than a surgical incision, arthroscopy leaves virtually no visible scarring, preserving the natural aesthetics of your face. -
Improved Mobility:
By addressing the underlying issues within the TMJ, many patients experience a significant improvement in jaw function and movement.
Dr. Nehal Patel: Your TMJ Specialist
When it comes to treating TMJ disorders, Dr. Nehal Patel stands at the forefront of innovation and expertise.
As the Director of nuFace Maxillofacial & Dental Hospital and an experienced TMJ Arthroscopist, Dr. Patel has successfully treated countless patients suffering from jaw pain and dysfunction.
His dedication to minimally invasive techniques ensures that patients experience the best possible outcomes with the least amount of discomfort.
With years of experience in both routine and complex TMJ surgeries, Dr. Patel is known for his patient-centered approach, providing compassionate care that focuses on each individual’s unique needs and concerns.
What to Expect During TMJ Arthroscopy?
- Consultation and Diagnosis: The process begins with a thorough evaluation by Dr. Nehal Patel. Using advanced imaging and diagnostic techniques, he will assess the condition of your TMJ and determine if arthroscopy is the right treatment for you.
- Surgical Procedure: During the procedure, Dr. Patel accesses the joint through a tiny skin puncture — not an incision — using a 1.9mm arthroscope equipped with a camera. This allows him to visualize the inside of the joint and perform the necessary repairs or adjustments without any cutting or stitches.
- Post-Operative Care: After the surgery, you’ll receive detailed instructions on how to care for your jaw during the recovery period. Most patients experience mild discomfort and swelling, which can be managed with medication and rest.
- Follow-Up: Regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Patel will be scheduled to monitor your healing and ensure the success of the procedure.
Tracking Your Recovery
At nuFace, follow-up doesn’t end when you leave the hospital. Dr. Nehal Patel tracks patient outcomes using the TMJ Surgery Registry with the JFLS-20 (Jaw Functional Limitation Scale), a validated, widely used scoring tool, with check-ins conducted through a simple WhatsApp link. This structured, data-driven approach helps ensure your recovery is actually being monitored, not just assumed.
Ready to Regain Control of Your Jaw Health?
At nuFace Maxillofacial & Dental Hospital, we understand how debilitating TMJ disorders can be.
Our goal is to provide you with the relief you deserve through advanced treatments like TMJ Arthroscopy.
With Dr. Nehal Patel at the helm, you can trust that you’ll receive dedicated care that prioritizes your well-being and recovery.
Choose nuFace TMJ Arthroscopy and take the first step toward a pain-free future.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Nehal Patel today and experience the difference that expert care and minimally invasive surgery can make in your life.
Further Reading on TMJ Arthroscopy
- TMJ arthroscopy myths: what you need to know
- When TMJ arthroscopy is needed for internal derangement
- TMJ arthroscopy as a key solution for joint problems
- Surgical treatment for TMJ subluxation and dislocation
- Understanding TMJ disorders: misconceptions and treatment pathways
- Open TMJ surgery: separating fact from fiction
- Browse all TMJ surgery articles
Other Popular Services
Office Hours
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Maxillofacial Surgery OPD
Mon, Wed, Fri: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Dental OPD
Mon-Fri: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
FAQs: TMJ Arthroscopy in Surat
What is TMJ arthroscopy?
TMJ arthroscopy is a minimally invasive keyhole procedure used to diagnose and treat jaw joint problems such as locking, clicking, pain and internal derangement, usually with faster recovery than open surgery. Reference: Springer – Internal Derangements of the TMJ Chapter
Who should consider TMJ arthroscopy in India?
Patients with persistent TMJ pain, locking, limited mouth opening or failed conservative care may be evaluated for arthroscopy by an experienced maxillofacial surgeon such as Dr. Nehal Patel at nuFace Hospital, Surat.
How long is recovery after TMJ arthroscopy?
Many patients resume light daily activity within a few days, but full recovery varies. Soft diet, jaw exercises and follow-up visits are typically advised.
Why choose nuFace Hospital in Surat for TMJ arthroscopy?
nuFace is a dedicated maxillofacial centre in Adajan, Surat, led by Dr. Nehal Patel, with focused expertise in TMJ arthroscopy, TMJ replacement and jaw surgery for patients from Surat, across India and overseas.