Indications for Temporomandibular Joint Replacement – Reza Movahed, DMD

Recorded on May 1st, 2025

Description:

Indications for application of total temporomandibular joint replacement (TJR) and maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) are multifaceted and vary from case to case, and it is imperative for the clinician to understand all the contemporary approaches and literature when considering the appropriate treatment for airway disorders, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) , TMD, craniofacial deformities and trauma. The proper diagnosis must be supported by the necessary studies, including TMJ MRI, CBCT, polysomnography, and clinical findings. The correct option and timing of surgery is paramount to the long-term success of each case. Tailored treatment planning will be discussed in conjunction with cutting edge digital workflow to increase success and predictability of surgical and stable orthodontic outcomes.

Upon completion of this presentation, participants should be able to:
1) Explain the various TMJ pathologies requiring TJR.
2) Describe when to use TJR to ensure the most stable biomechanical outcomes.
3) Recognize the available methodologies including clinical assessment, CT scan, and MRI for utilizing TJR as part of the ortho-surgical treatment.

Reza Movahed, DMD

Dr. Reza Movahed is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon in private practice serving the greater St. Louis region, San Francisco Bay area, and patients from across the country. His private practice, Movahed OMS, concentrates on treating patients with dentofacial deformities and obstructive sleep apnea requiring corrective jaw surgery, temporomandibular joint surgery, and combined orthognathic and TMJ surgery.

After receiving his Doctorate in Dental Medicine from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, he completed his residency program at Nova Southeastern University, and a fellowship specializing in TMJ and corrective jaw surgery to manage dentofacial deformities.

Dr. Movahed is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Saint Louis University, Department of Orthodontics, where he lectures on surgical orthodontics and takes part in multidisciplinary ortho-surgical cases with residents. He has written multiple chapters for books concentrating in OSA, joint and corrective jaw surgery, numerous scientific articles, and is the coauthor of a textbook which focuses on treatments for sleep apnea. In his spare time, he is a painter and musician.

Dr. Movahed has indicated he has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Relevant literature for further information:

Movahed, Reza, AND Semensohn, Ryan. “Indications for alloplastic total joint replacement in obstructive sleep apnea patients requiring maxillomandibular advancement” Frontiers of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine [Online], Volume 5(16 February 2023)
Al-Moraissi , E.A. , Wolford , L.M. , 2017 . Does temporomandibular joint pathology with or without surgical management affect the stability of counterclockwise rotation of the maxillomandibular complex in orthognathic surgery? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery , 75 ( 4 ), 805 – 821 .
Arif H, Ashraf R, Khan F, Khattak YR, Nisar H, Ahmad I. Total temporomandibular joint reconstruction prosthesis in hemifacial microsomia: A systematic review. Orthod Craniofac Res. 2024; 27: 15-26. doi:10.1111/ocr.12695