TMJD Treatment

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) treatment options can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t know the differences between them. TMJD refers to problems with the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. TMJD can cause pain in the jaw joint and muscles, as well as headaches and earaches. 

Treatment for TMJD will depend on the underlying cause of your symptoms and severity. However, if you’re ready to work on receiving treatment for your condition, our team is here to help you. Contact Indian Trail Dental Studio today to learn more about our TMJD service offerings.

What Is TMJD Treatment?

TMJD treatment refers to therapies aimed at reducing pain and improving jaw function in people with temporomandibular joint disorder. TMJD treatment refers to therapies aimed at reducing pain and improving jaw function in people with temporomandibular joint disorder.

Night Guard

A custom night guard is often one of the first recommendations for TMJD treatment. Wearing a night guard prevents teeth grinding while sleeping, which can reduce pain, prevent further damage to the teeth or jaw joints, and allow the jaw muscles to relax.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy or jaw exercises can be useful for TMJD treatment by helping to relax tight jaw muscles and improve joint mobility. Working with a physical therapist, the patient performs a series of gentle jaw and neck stretches and strengthening exercises designed to reduce pain and increase range of motion.

Medication

Medication may be prescribed to reduce inflammation or relax jaw muscles. Common medications include muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatories, or tricyclic antidepressants, which can help reduce pain and improve jaw function.

Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment like braces or clear aligners can correct misaligned teeth and jaw structure that may contribute to TMJD disorder. By straightening the teeth and jaw into proper alignment, orthodontics can reduce stress on the temporomandibular joints and muscles, alleviating pain and improving jaw function.

Jaw Surgery

Jaw surgery may be recommended for severe or chronic TMJD disorder to correct significant misalignment of the jaw. Surgery can reposition the jaw into proper alignment, reducing pain and improving jaw mobility and function.

Our Process for TMJD Treatment

Our practice is committed to providing relief from the pain and discomfort of TMJD disorder. Depending on the severity of your TMJD disorder, we may recommend either conservative treatments to manage pain or orthognathic jaw surgery to correct misalignment and restore jaw function. We take a customized approach to treatment, first evaluating the underlying cause of your symptoms through a comprehensive consultation. Here’s a closer look at our process:

  • Consultation: We evaluate your symptoms and jaw and teeth alignment with x-rays and a physical exam. The cause of your TMJD pain will be diagnosed and treatment options will be discussed.
  • Conservative treatment: If appropriate, we may try less invasive options first like a nightguard, physical therapy, or medication to reduce inflammation and relax your jaw muscles. Botox injections can also provide temporary relief.
  • Orthognathic surgery: For severe, chronic TMJD disorder caused by misaligned jaws, orthognathic jaw surgery may be recommended to permanently correct the alignment and provide relief. The surgery is performed by an oral surgeon and recovery usually takes 6-8 weeks.

Our goal is to provide you with the most effective, customized treatment plan to reduce your pain and improve your jaw health and function. Please contact our team today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward relief from your TMJD disorder.

What Happens if Treatment Is Done Incorrectly or Not At All?

Living with temporomandibular joint disorder can be challenging and painful, especially if left untreated. It is important to seek professional help as soon as possible in order to avoid more serious consequences and obtain the best outcome for your condition. If TMJD treatment is done improperly or not performed at all, there are many potential problems that can arise. Some of the problems that can arise if the treatment isn’t done properly or doesn’t happen at all include: 

  • Pain that persists or worsens over time
  • Limited jaw and range of motion
  • Difficulty opening the mouth wide, chewing food, and speaking correctly
  • Damage to the teeth due to excessive grinding or clenching
  • Jaw joint dislocation or fracture
  • Increased risk of developing arthritis in the jaw joint

In order to avoid these and other issues, it is important to seek proper treatment for TMJD as soon as possible. A qualified dentist or doctor can help you develop an appropriate treatment plan that includes both short and long-term strategies. With the right combination of treatments, you can reduce your pain and improve your quality of life.

If you have symptoms of TMJD or think you may be suffering from the disorder, contact our team as soon as possible in order to start receiving treatment. With timely and proper treatment, you can minimize the damage done by TMJD and prevent further complications.

Receiving the Treatment You Deserve

Receiving the treatment you deserve is paramount. We believe that everyone deserves the best possible treatment. That’s why our dental office provides customized TMJD treatments plans to specifically target your individual needs and situation. When it comes to relieving your TMJD symptoms, we don’t take any shortcuts when it comes to providing you with quality of care. 

We’re confident that you won’t regret trusting us with your health and well-being. So don’t delay – contact Indian Trail Dental Studio today if you’re looking for reliable, experienced, and an affordable TMJD treatment that really works.

Frequently Asked Questions

It usually takes several weeks to several months to notice an improvement in symptoms after starting a treatment plan for TMJD disorder. However, depending on how severe or complicated your case is, it may take longer for some people to see results.

Some people may experience minor side-effects from certain treatments like mouth dryness or jaw soreness from wearing a mouth guard or brace. In general, these side-effects are usually temporary and will improve over time with consistent use of the prescribed treatment.

When left untreated, symptoms of TMJD disorder can become increasingly severe, leading to discomfort and more serious issues like lockjaw, ear pain and constant headaches. In some cases, long-term damage can occur to the teeth and jaw joints which may require corrective or reconstructive surgery.

To diagnose TMJD disorder, a healthcare provider will usually conduct a physical examination and review the patient’s overall medical history. Diagnostic tests may also be conducted like x-rays, CT scans or MRI scans to further evaluate the jaw joint and surrounding tissues for any structural issues.

Hasmi R. Patel, DMD

Dr. Hasmi Patel

Exceeding Your Expectations

Your Smile is in Great Hands at Indian Trail Dental Studio