How are tmj disorders treated?

NOt fair: Tons of treatment options. You need to sit down with your dental expert and discuss what might be best suited for you!

Many ways: Treatment ranges from palliative care to surgical procedures, and everrything in between. Muscle relaxants are often p, described, many different types of bite splints are recommended. Orthodontics, dental reconstruction ad all considerations. Hope that gives you some idea.

Occlusal Guard: Tmj should always be treated with some type of dental occlusal guard ( bite guard, night guard, tap appliance, ... Etc.) that is made by a dentist specifically for you. If the regular use of your appliance (and any adjustments made by your dentist) does not solve the issue, then a referral to a chiropractor and/or massage therapist is the next step.

Treat the cause: The first step is to figure out what are the causes and what are the effects. Joints do not go bad and muscles do not usually hurt without reasons. Find the reasons for the compromise first, then you can begin to address the causes and not the effects. Look at the jaw position, sleep disorders and what is compromising what. Then begin your reversible diagnostics to be sure you treat the cause.

Depends on symptoms: Depends on symptoms, and cause of symptoms. 3 signs of TMJ dysfunction: joint noises, joint pain & limited oral opening. Self treat with soft diet, jaw exercises, massage, heat/cold, OTC pain meds. A splint or physical therapy would be next. Occasionally muscle relaxants, biofeedback. Xrays are done for diagnosis. Surgery usually reserved for serious symptoms not responsive to other treatments.

TX can vary: The cause of your tmj/tmd, if known and the duration of your problem, may dictate the treatment. Often treatment for TMJ can vary from person to person and also may sometimes involve seeing other doctors. Physical therapy, tens, ultrasound therapy, exercises, and mouthpieces are the most standard types of treatment. You may need combinations of all.

Diagnosis is the key: Without accurate diagnosis finding out the true source of TMJ pain and symptoms, no successful treatment is expected. In some cases, the symptoms of TMJ disorders may go away without treatment. See Orofacial Pain specialist for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment if needed.