How is tmj treated?

Varies: Non surgical TMJ treatments include splint therapy, muscle relaxants or nsaids, jaw exercises, soft diet, alternating ice/heat packs, etc. Visit a dentist or oral medicine specialist to find out which ones relate to your specific condition.

Medications, Splints: Basically TMJ dysfunction can affect the muscles, the nerves, the joints and the teeth themselves, depending on what we find we might prescribe a soft diet, non-steroid ant-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, physical therapy ....And occlusal guards or splints, surgery is possible but it is for advanced cases.

Depends on who: Md's like to prescribe drugs, surgeons like to do TMJ surgery and most general dentists like to do splint therapy. I guess it depends on who you go to see about the problem.

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.

Multiple modalities: There are a number of treatment modalities used to address the symptoms of tmj, which must be distinguished between arthrogenic (joint disc), muscle splinting symptoms, or a combination of both. Non-invasive treatment includes oral orthotics (splints), muscle relaxant and pain medications, diet modification, and alternating ice/warm moist heat applications. A definitive diagnosis is critical.

Different approaches: Depending on the severity of the TMJ problem , the treatment range from a simple night guard and anti- inflammatory meds.., heat and steroids treatment , orthodontic treatment , or even surgery to correct the problem and alleviate pain and discomfort

Find the cause: Everyone knows that if we only address a symptom, the core problem that caused the symptom will persist. TMJ syndrome is no different. What needs to be determined is the cause of your TMJ pain, which is usually a symptom of something else going on. Often this core problem has to do with a misaligned bite, causing muscle and joint reactions. Only a dentist who has expertise with TMJ/TMD can help.

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.