Could surgery be needed?

Most TMJ disorders improve without surgery through conservative treatment such as medication, physical therapy, and splints. Surgery is considered only in rare cases: 1) when the joint bones have fused (ankylosis) and the mouth barely opens, 2) when there is a tumor or severe bone deformity, or 3) when pain that disrupts daily life persists despite several months or more of adequate conservative treatment. There's no need to worry about surgery from the start — treatment proceeds in stages based on your diagnosis.