Treatment Options for TMJ

In nearly all cases, TMJ problems can be resolved without surgical intervention. Surgery used to correct the alignment of your lower jaw is typically only required in severe cases of TMD when all other treatment options have been exhausted without any positive improvement in a patient’s pain or discomfort. At Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders, we focus on developing personalized treatment plans for each patient that will help them achieve symptom relief with non-invasive methods. By speaking with one of our experienced TMJ doctors, you will ensure you have all of the information necessary to make informed decisions regarding your TMJ treatment.

While pain relieving medication can provide temporary relief for patients, they are often not a total solution. Instead, our treatments focus on correcting the underlying issues and improving the natural anatomic alignment of your TMJ and lower jaw. By addressing your pain and discomfort at the source, we can improve your treatment outcome and help you achieve long-term relief that will improve your quality of life.

Dental appliance therapy is one of the simplest and most effective treatment methods for TMJ disorder. A custom oral appliance will help your jaw rest in its natural position, thereby relieving tension and pain. If you choose to pursue TMJ treatment using oral appliance therapy, your custom dental piece will be created by our exceptional dental staff to your exact specifications onsite, which will reduce your wait time and help you achieve relief as quickly as possible. These oral appliances are worn at night and are simple and convenient to use and maintain. If a nighttime appliance is not enough to resolve your TMD, a more permanent solution may be pursued using dental implants or dentures.

Some patients who develop TMJ do so because anxiety or tension they feel in their daily life has caused them to clench their jaw or grind their teeth. For these patients, behavioral therapy with a certified counselor can sometimes help address the underlying stressors in a patient’s life in order to relieve anxiety and tension. Learning relaxation techniques can be helpful as part of a comprehensive therapeutic plan. Patients may also benefit from physical therapy involving jaw exercises designed to loosen and strengthen jaw muscles. Heat and cold therapy may also be implemented by a physical therapist to promote healing and reduce inflammation within the temporomandibular joint. Biofeedback using a TENS machine can also be beneficial for patients interested in learning how their jaw should feel when properly aligned.

Both Botox injections and corticosteroid injections have been used effectively to reduce tension and relieve pain. Botox and similar substances work by temporarily paralyzing the muscles responsible for TMJ pain and chronic headaches. Corticosteroids can be used to help soothe pain in the TMJ and is most effective as part of a comprehensive plan that includes physical therapy or other treatments.

At Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders, we understand the importance of offering our patients TMJ treatment options that can be designed to suit their lifestyle. Your treatment plan will always be created especially for you. Contact us today to find the location nearest you and schedule your consultation.