Please give some recommendations for temporomandibular joint. dentists just want to make splints.

Precautions : Soft diet, antiinflammatory medications, ice to the joint 20 minutes at a time are simple ways to start. Then there is always a splint. My favorite is an nti device. It stops clenching and grinding.

Splints: Dentists want to make splints because they are effective, and very non-invasive. Has anyone every suggested exercises, soft diet, anti-inflammatory medications to go with the splint?

Options: There are variety of ways you can be helped physical therapy , chiro, what kind of splint? You should seek a neuromuscular dentist who deals specifically withtmj/tmd.

TMD specialist: To some extent you are correct. Most dentists immediately suggest a night guard. There is a place for them and they often do help to varying degrees. There are many other conservative treatments. The best plan would be to seek out a dentist with extensive training and experience treating patients with tmd (temporomandibular dysfunction). Go for a consult and discuss what is best for you.

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.