TMJ Treatment Options For People With TMJ Disorders

TMJ disorders could become chronic but are still treatable disorders. The goal of TMJ treatment is to eliminate the precipitating factors associated with the disorders. Several symptoms may not appear related to TMJ itself. Among the usual symptoms of the disorder is headache, dizziness, ear pain, crepitus or the grinding, popping or crunching sounds and the fullness as well as ringing of the ear which is medically termed as tinnitus.

The treatment for TMJ disorders requires the willingness of the person to do the necessary things to be done as well as good collaborative efforts with a physician especially if the person experiences a moderate to severe form of TMJ disorder. There are several TMJ treatment options or combinations for the TMJ Disorders and these include:

• Jaw rest

First and foremost, the jaw has to rest and the person is advised not to chew gum or eat foods that are hard, crunchy or chewy such as candies, nuts and raw vegetables. Moreover, eating foods that require opening widely of the mouth such as a hamburger must be prevented.

• Heat and cold application

Apply hot and cold compress alternately to the TMJ area. These would lessen the spasm and muscle tension. Meanwhile, cold compress is most preferred immediately after an injury has occurred to the TMJs.

• Medications

This is the pharmacological phase of the TMJ treatment and it would be best to consult a doctor and be prescribed of the medicines. There are medicines that must be prescribed by a physician for pharmacies to allow purchase. Among the medications for TMJ disorders are anti-inflammatory medicines such as naproxen and aspirin, and muscle relaxants such as diazepam that aid in the reduction of muscle spasms. Moreover, cortisone preparations such as triamcinolone are advised in certain instances.

• Physical therapy

Opening and closing of the jaw, electrical stimulation and massage aid to relieve pain as well as increase the strength and range of motion of the joint. There are certain exercises that would be advised for a person with TMJ disorder to do for several times in a day.

• Corrective therapy for bite abnormalities

Orthodontics or corrective dental therapy may be necessary to correct bite abnormalities. There will be adjustments done to the crowns or bridges so as to ascertain proper teeth alignment. This is necessary for people with misalignment of the teeth or dental problems that cause TMJ disorders.

• Occlusal Therapy

This is for the management of bruxism in which is teeth grinding or clenching; and acts to balance the bite. An acrylic appliance which is custom made is usually prescribed to use at night or may be throughout the day.

• Stress management

For psychological management, stress support groups, medications and psychological counseling are done and could aid in the reduction of muscle tension. Furthermore, biofeedback aid people to recognize moments of increased muscle spasm and offers methods to aid in controlling them.

• Surgery

This is the last TMJ treatment resort for TMJ disorder when medical therapy has failed. Among the surgical interventions is ligament tightening, TMJ arthroscopy and joint restructuring or replacement.

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