TMJ TREATMENT

You will first need to be formally examined and diagnosed with TMJ disorder. Your dentist will evaluate the extent of the condition and determine what course of treatment is best for you. Usually, the initial approach involves conservative treatments, such as self-care, physical therapy and bite guards. Medications may also be used to relax the jaw or relieve pain. Patients who do not respond to conservative treatments may be considered for surgery or joint injections.

• Arthritis within the jaw joint 
• Clenching and/or grinding the teeth (usually occurring during sleep) caused by stress
• Trauma to the jaw area or, specifically, to the temporomandibular joint (jaw joint) itself
• Malocclusion – the abnormal positioning of the upper and lower teeth when the jaw is closed (bite)

No! There are many treatments to pursue before surgical procedures are considered. For instance, if the condition is thought to be stress-related, the simplest solution is the temporary usage of over-the-counter pain relievers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), muscle relaxants and ice-pack therapy for immediate relief. At the same time, you can work on lifestyle changes to eliminate the stress. Of course, many other options are available to treat non-stress-related TMJ, so open communication with Dr. Hale is crucial.

According to one study, the most frequent complaints and the approximate percentage of their occurrences were:

• Headaches (including migraines) – 76%
• Pain in throat (44%), face (45%), teeth (51%), neck (50%), back (41%) and behind eyes (38%) 
• Pain, clicking and/or popping sounds, limited ability to open temporomandibular joint – 72%
• Ear problems (including tinnitus) [ringing in the ears], clogged or “muffled” ears, otalgia and dizziness – 76%

TMJ treatment varies from patient to patient, so your experience may be very different from someone else’s. You’ll probably be asked to adopt certain lifestyle changes to help facilitate rehabilitation in your jaw. For example, you may be asked to avoid sudden jaw movements, such as yelling or yawning. You may also need to begin sleeping on your back and take steps to reduce your stress levels.

Your post-treatment care instructions will vary according to the type of treatment you receive. If you undergo an aggressive treatment, such as surgery, you may be temporarily subject to an all-liquid diet. You’ll also need to apply ice to the face to minimize swelling and also keep the surgical site clean and dry.