Dissect the temporomandibular joint and expose the articular disc and head of the mandible.
- (ON THE RIGHT SIDE ONLY) Clean and identify the fibrous capsule of the temporomandibular joint. (G 7.50B;N 49;Gl 44.5) Use a scalpel blade to open the capsule and identify the articular disc immediately superior to the mandibular condyle. Use a blunt probe to identify the superior and inferior articular cavities. (G 7.53;N 49;Gl 44.6)
- (ON THE RIGHT SIDE ONLY) Cut the lateral pterygoid muscle approximately 1 cm from both its anterior and posterior attachments. Remove the muscle between the two cuts avoiding the long buccal nerve. Leave the mandibular head and articular disc in place.
