Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are common and can be very painful. People can actually feel this joint; it’s actually about an inch to 1.5 inches under your skin if you press in front of your ear. TMJ is more commonly referred to when you have painful tension in your jaw; TMD is a bit more specific.
For qualified patients, professional non-surgical TMJ treatment is proven to often be as effective as more aggressive care. In addition, patients like to avoid dealing with post-operative discomfort, a no-fun liquid diet, or an extensive recovery period as TMJ surgery entails. Instead, most people can simply enjoy improved oral function, increased jaw muscle comfort, and lasting improvement of your oral health that prevents future issues.
The masseter jaw muscles, and temporalis muscle may become sore when you carry a lot of tension in your jaw. Most often it is largely a muscular problem. There is a disc or pad that can wear out. It may have a tear, a hole in it, be perforated, can get out of place, or get stuck. Having a click in your jaw is extremely common. However, when it becomes painful, it may be stuck.
Non-surgical approaches to TMJ treatment are classified as “conservative” and recommended by the National Institute of Health – at least in the beginning. The specific needs of each patient should be carefully assessed, and general procedures initially followed to avoid unnecessary recovery time needed after surgery.
Non-Surgical TMJ Treatment Plan Assessment
To create an effective treatment plan, your pain specialist will assess your jaw function. Your primary diagnosis typically has three main components:
- A digital mandibular scanner can measure your jaw’s range of motion and its amount of rotation flex.
- An electromyography test (EMG) may determine how well your jaw muscles work, assessing inflammation levels or strain.
- An electrosonography test may evaluate the health and utility of the jaw disk. It can determine if jaw popping or clicking signal displacement.
After your dentist or pain specialist has gained this knowledge of how your joints work, they can design a conservative TMJ disorder treatment plan that is adapted specifically for your TMJ function.
How Non-surgical TMJ Treatment Differs From Surgery
Most TMD patients will benefit sufficiently from non-surgical care. These safer approaches are based on the unique needs of each patient, and their oral history. With progressive treatment, most non-surgical TMJ treatment options can provide pain relief for symptoms by treating the underlying cause in stages. When persistent pain is caused by misaligned jaws that place pressure on the joint, an approved oral appliance can shift jaw alignment for a proper placement without stressing the jaw joint.
If your jaw pain is caused by a misalignment, your orofacial pain specialist or dentist may recommend:
- Orthodontic treatment – such as a jaw splint or braces. Often, people with jaw pain benefit from wearing a soft or firm device inserted over their teeth while sleeping.
- Physical therapy – For milder cases, jaw area stretching exercises help to restore the comfort and proper function of your smile. For persistent symptoms of TMD, your treatment plan may combine multiple treatment types. Common treatment used in physical therapy are ultrasound, moist heat, relaxation, and ice, along with stretches and exercises.
- A nighttime TMJ retainer – Or occlusal appliance can reposition your jaw to alleviate pressure on your joints.
- Pain counseling and self-management exercises – “It is remarkable that, within 3-month duration, education alone led to a positive outcome impression and can be a good start in treatment of myofascial pain of the jaw muscles.” – NIH
- Acupuncture therapy – In one study, 85% of pain patients who received acupuncture for TMJ had their discomfort intensity reduced by 75%. Releasing TMJ trigger points in the masseter, lateral/medial pterygoid, and temporalis muscles often reduces pain and increase range of motion in the TMJ.
- BOTOX for TMJ – Some dentists report that BOTOX may reduce hyperactivity in the jaw muscles and prevent clenching and grinding. Limiting these harmful oral habits can reduce the level of stress on the temporomandibular joints, providing relief from pain and other symptoms.
- Practicing diet + stress management – Changing your diet can also help diminish stress levels placed on your temporomandibular joints. Limiting your diet level of hard foods which require a lot of chewing can lessen stress on your TMJs and reduce your symptoms.
Restoring proper bite alignment often eliminates the pain symptoms of temporomandibular join disorder.
The Benefits Of Non-Surgical Treatment
People suffering with TMJ disorder report that non-surgical treatments offer significant benefits. These treatment options are usually effective, reversible, and do not involve the longer recovery time accompanying TMJ surgery. Typically, non-surgical treatment options are also more affordable than surgery.
Eliminate Your Symptoms Without Surgery
By choosing a conservative, non-surgical treatment for persistent TMJ problems, you can decrease your jaw pain symptoms without costly and invasive surgical procedures. Contact an orofacial pain specialist today.
