Looking for effective tmj treatments?

See oral surgeon: Many treatments exist, but appropriate treatment is based on what the underlying cause is for your TMJ problems. Could be your occlusion, injury to the cartilage, arthritis, or muscle imbalance. E treatment would be based on the underlying pathology.

Fix the bite: If the bite is the problem, there can be problems with the joint. But the joint damage comes second, not first. You cannot fix only the joint and expect the problem to be resolved. First, properly diagnose the problem. Then correct the bite with a bite plate (called an orthosis) that allows the jaw to relax. When symptoms resolve, consider orthodontics or reconstruction as a permanent solution.

Diagnoses is key: Finding the cause and getting a diagnosis is key to getting effective treatment. Tmj is not a diagnosis but a group of disorders related to the jaw joint or tmj. For example, if the cause of the problem is a muscle problem than effective treatment would involve treating the muscle. I have seen over 2400 patients with TMJ problems and very few need surgery or extensive bite corrections.

A few things: 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.