What are the Treatment Options for TMJ?

There are a variety of available treatments designed to relieve common symptoms of TMJ disorders, including oral appliances, physical therapy, orthodontic treatments, and custom-fitted orthotics. When these treatments fail to provide relief, surgery may be needed to remedy TMJ symptoms. If TMD symptoms are interfering with day-to-day activities and personal wellbeing, surgical treatments should be discussed with a dentist or oral surgeon. Surgery may also be recommended if the jaw joint is subjected to degeneration either due to trauma, osteoarthritis, or a genetic disorder. Thankfully, surgical TMJ treatments have a very high success rate and have helped countless people improve the form and function of their jaws.

If a TMJ disorder is left untreated, it can result in many unpleasant symptoms which may worsen over time. These include:

Insomnia and Sleep Disturbances — While TMJ is not considered a life-threatening condition, the discomfort of the teeth and jaw muscles can interfere with normal sleeping patterns. During sleep, subconsciously clenching and grinding teeth is a common occurrence, especially when having intense or frightening dreams. When this occurs, the pain can jolt the body awake and lead to a lack of sleep.

Jaw Complications and Tinnitus — Untreated TMJ can lead to worse dental complexities as well as tinnitus, which is an incessant ringing in the ears. Common symptoms associated with tinnitus and other jaw problems include recurrent dizziness and vertigo.

Lockjaw — One of the major jaw problems associated with the temporomandibular joints is lockjaw. It is painful, uncomfortable, can affect appetite, and may result in the jaw becoming stuck open or closed.

Cartilage Damage — In moderate to severe cases of TMJ, the cartilage in this sensitive joint can become damaged, resulting in unforeseen expensive healthcare visits.

Depending on genetics and medical history, TMJ complications can stretch far and wide. Fortunately, despite the intensity of the signs and symptoms, there are several therapies or treatments that can help remedy these symptoms and improve the overall quality of life.

There are several nonsurgical treatment options for TMJ disorders, from at-home care to professional dental therapies. Mild to moderate symptoms of TMD often respond well to self-care techniques at home, which may include:

– Taking over-the-counter medications
– Avoiding jaw movements that stress the joints
– Improving posture
– Using ice packs or moist heat
– Practicing stress management and relaxation techniques
– Changing diet (limiting intake of hard foods)

Professional dental therapies include:

– Mouthguards
– Orthodontics
– Jaw Exercises
– Physical Therapy

At Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders, we are dedicated to providing you with all of your TMJ needs. Our kind and compassionate professionals can provide a wide range of treatment options for TMJ and can help you find relief. Call us today to book an appointment for TMJ treatments. We look forward to serving you!