Many simple treatments can ease TMJ symptoms, including avoiding chewing gum and tough foods like beef jerky,tmj treatment can also include jaw-stretching exercises and stress reduction techniques.
Medications can also provide relief, but it is not known who will respond positively to which medications. TMJ pain relievers can include NSAIDs, muscle relaxants and antidepressants.
Dental Splints
Splints are removable oral appliances that look like mouthguards. They are often used to relieve TMJ pain and discomfort. They are also helpful for preventing teeth grinding and clenching.
The splint will be molded to fit the shape of your upper or lower teeth. The dentist may use x-rays or other images of your mouth and teeth to help in the process.
DS Core Create allows for the customization of splint designs. This can reduce the time that dental professionals spend on design and increase patient comfort.
A stabilization splint covers the anterior teeth and leaves the posterior teeth exposed or out of contact, which inhibits tooth clenching and helps to relax sore jaw muscles. It is typically worn at night and is recommended as a short-term treatment option.
Botox Injections
The neurotoxin botulinum toxin, more commonly known as Botox, is a treatment that freezes muscles. While most patients think of Botox as a cosmetic wrinkle reducer, it has also been used to treat medical conditions like chronic migraines and neck pain.
TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is a condition that affects the jaw and surrounding muscles. The disorder can be caused by stress, straining, or clenching and grinding of the teeth. The symptoms of TMJ can range from mild to debilitating and include jaw pain, headaches, and neck pain.
Botox injections in the masseter muscle help reduce jaw tension and eliminate TMJ-related problems, such as clenching and grinding of the teeth during sleep or throughout the day. These injections are performed by Dr. Green, who is a master cosmetic Botox injector and TMJ specialist.
Arthrocentesis
Arthrocentesis is a minimally invasive procedure performed in the office under local anesthesia to help control TMJ pain and improve mouth opening. This involves lavage or washing of the TMJ joint with a small volume of water (Fig. 1). This is then followed by the injection of medication into the TMJ.
This is done to help control pain and inflammation in the TMJ. It can be used alone or in conjunction with other therapies to help treat TMJ pain and improve mouth opening.
The procedure can also be performed to check the condition of the TMJ. The fluid can be analyzed visually, microscopically and chemically to check for signs of infection or other problems such as the presence of uric acid crystals (which would indicate that the patient has gout). Depending on the results of this test, a patient may need to have arthrocentesis done more frequently.
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy can be used to diagnose and treat problems with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Your oral surgeon will insert the arthroscope into the jaw area through a small opening in your mouth. This tool has a small camera that lets your doctor see inside the joint.
The arthroscopic procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia. Your doctor may ask you to remove your clothes and will cover the surgical site with a drape.
Diagnostic arthroscopy of the TMJ allows direct visualization and lysis of adhesions. It also permits the surgeon to establish a diagnosis for TMJ patients who present with atypical clinical and MRI findings. The arthroscopic approach is the best method for histopathologic tissue evaluation in these cases. TMJ arthroscopy can also be used for TMJ disc displacements that do not respond to non-surgical treatments.
Surgery
As one of the most important joints in your body, pain and inflammation of the jaw’s temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can significantly affect daily life. Symptoms can include trouble opening and closing your mouth, clicking or popping noises, difficulty chewing or swallowing and muscle pain and tenderness in the neck and face.
Nonsurgical treatments like resting, avoiding excessively forceful movements of the jaw, muscle-relaxing drugs and wearing a TMJ splint can often help ease pain and tightness. Counseling methods can also be used to reduce stress and clenching of the teeth, which can worsen symptoms.
If more conservative treatment methods do not relieve your symptoms, surgery may be an option. This is typically only considered when a diagnosis of TMJ disorder has been made by an experienced oral surgeon, such as our team at MOSA Oral Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery in Monterey, Salinas and Santa Cruz.