Treatments for Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Syndrome

A temporomandibular joint syndrome is a jaw joint dysfunction that occurs when the muscles and ligaments surrounding the joint become inflamed or injured. The temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to your skull, allowing smooth jaw movements like chewing and speaking. Trauma, arthritis, stress, and improper biting are some causes of this condition. The common symptoms of temporomandibular joint disease are headaches or migraines, jaw pain, earaches, and facial pain. You must get an early TMJ treatment in Jasper because it can cause chronic TMJ conditions if the symptoms go untreated.

There are many treatments for TMJ, which includes:

Use of medications

You can use Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen or ibuprofen. These drugs relieve muscle pain and swelling. A low dosage of antidepressants helps to reduce pain. If you grind or clench your teeth, muscle relaxants can help relax your tight jaw muscles.

The heat of cold therapy

Applying an icepack on the facial side for about ten minutes can help relieve pain. Use of a  warm towel or washcloth on the sides of your face helps to reduce inflammation. Do this routine several times a day. Few jaws stretch with a guide from your physician can complement these therapies.

Use of splint or night guard

These are plastic mouthpieces that you fit over your teeth to prevent upper and lower teeth from touching. You wear the splint all the time and night guard during the night. Your specialist will guide you on the one best for you. They put your teeth in the correct position to help avoid clenching or grinding while biting.

Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS)

TENS is a therapy that uses low electric currents to relax your jaw joint, facial muscles, and ligaments to relieve pain. You can have your dentist do it or do it yourself at home through medical guidance.

Surgery treatment

If other treatments do not work for you, surgeons can recommend surgery. There are three types of TMJ surgeries, and the type your surgeons use depends on your problem. These surgeries include:

• Arthrocentesis: Surgeons will use arthrocentesis when your jaws are locked. It is a minor process where your dentist administers general anesthesia and inserts needles into your jaw joint to wash it out. Your specialist uses a unique tool to remove damaged tissue or remove a disc stuck on your jaw joint.
• Arthroscopy: Arthroscopy is a surgery done with a particular gadget with a lens and light on it called an arthroscope. Your doctor administers general anesthesia, makes a small cut, and inserts the tool. The tool has a video screen that enables your doctor to examine your joint, remove any inflamed tissue, or realign the joint.
• Open-joint surgery: Open-joint surgery is applied when jaw joints’ bony structures wear down, you have tumors around the joint, and your joint is full of bone chips. Your doctor gives you general anesthesia and opens up the jaw area for full viewing. You will take longer to heal, and you may get scarring or nerve injury.

Ensure you manage your TMJ symptoms to avoid chronic conditions later in life. Call Advanced Dental Care of East Texas to schedule an appointment for TMJ treatment.