TMJ treatment: Restoring jaw function and relieving discomfort

TMJ dysfunction symptoms may resolve on their own in certain circumstances. If your symptoms persist, your doctor may suggest a number of therapy alternatives, often more than one to be used concurrently.

Medications

These pharmaceutical choices, along with other nonsurgical treatments, may help ease the pain associated with TMJ disorders:

Anti-inflammatories and pain relievers. If over-the-counter pain medicines are ineffective, your doctor or dentist may prescribe stronger pain killers, such as prescription dosage ibuprofen, for a limited duration.

Tricyclic antidepressants are a type of antidepressant. These drugs, such as amitriptyline, are generally used to treat depression, but in low doses, they can also be used to treat pain, bruxism, and sleeplessness.

Relaxants for the muscles. These medications are occasionally used for a few days or weeks to assist reduce discomfort caused by TMJ issues caused by muscular spasms.

Therapies

Nondrug treatments for TMJ issues include the following:

Mouth guards or oral splints (occlusal appliances). People with jaw pain may benefit from wearing a soft or hard device implanted over their teeth, although the reasons for this are not completely understood.

Therapy for the body. TMJ treatment phoenix may involve ultrasound, moist heat, and cold, in addition to exercises to stretch and strengthen jaw muscles.

Counseling. Education and counseling can help you understand and prevent the reasons and habits that may increase your pain. Examples include

clenching or grinding your teeth, leaning on your chin, or biting your fingernails.

Surgical or non-surgical techniques

When other approaches fail, your doctor may recommend surgeries such as:

Arthrocentesis. Arthrocentesis (ahr-throe-sen-TEE-sis) is a minimally invasive treatment in which tiny needles are inserted into the joint and fluid is irrigated into the joint to remove debris and inflammatory byproducts.

Injections. Corticosteroid injections into the joint may be beneficial in some cases. In rare cases, injecting botulinum toxin type A (Botox, among others) into the chewing muscles may reduce pain associated with TMJ issues.

Arthroscopy of the TMJ. In some circumstances, arthroscopic surgery can be just as beneficial as open-joint surgery in treating various forms of TMJ issues. A short thin tube (cannula) is introduced into the joint space, followed by an arthroscope and small surgical instruments. TMJ arthroscopy carries less risks and problems than open-joint surgery, but it does have significant limits.

 

Condylotomy with a twist. Modified condylotomy (kon-dih-LOT-uh-mee) treats the TMJ indirectly by removing the mandible but not the joint itself. It may be beneficial in the tmj orthodontics near me of pain and if locking occurs.

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