Jaw tenderness, clicking, and limited movement signal that temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder may be interfering with essential functions like chewing, smiling, and even breathing while sleeping. Many rely on surgery to correct the imbalance and tension in the intricate jaw muscles and bones. However, non-surgical options are also available for those who don’t want to go under the knife. Let’s take a look at some of these innovative techniques to treat TMJ disorder.
Non-Surgical TMJ Treatment Methods
There are a number of different non-surgical treatment options available for those struggling with TMJ disorder. Some of the ways we can help you find relief include the following:
Physical Therapy
Your dentist can show you certain movements that can help you better manage your TMJ symptoms. They can teach you specific stretches and exercises and show you how to use heat and cold to loosen muscles and manage pain.
Medications
Your dentist may also prescribe anti-inflammatory or muscle-relaxing medications to help manage the pain and inflammation that comes with TMJ. These medications can also make it easier for you to perform jaw exercises and stretches and make it so we can better address the root cause of your TMJ.
If stress or anxiety are the cause of your TMJ, anti-anxiety medication or antidepressants can also be recommended.
Botox
Botox injections have also been shown to help with TMJ. They work to relax the muscles of the jaw and limit how much you clench and grind your teeth. By limiting your ability to use those muscles, we can reduce the level of stress on the temporomandibular joints and provide relief from pain and other symptoms.
Oral Appliances
Custom oral splints and mouthguards can be some of the most beneficial nonsurgical treatment options for those struggling with TMJ disorder. They can stop you from grinding and clenching your teeth, put your jaw into proper alignment, take pressure off the TMJ, and protect your teeth. Over months of careful use, they can also help relax your bite and reduce pain.
Depending on the type of symptoms you experience, your dentist may recommend a simple mouthguard to limit your ability to grind your teeth or a more complex guard specifically designed for TMJ disorder.
Restorative Dental Work
In some cases, placing crowns or reshaping certain teeth can adjust the position of the jaw and reduce stress on the TMJs. Restoring proper bite alignment can often eliminate the symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder.
Trigger-Point Injections
Trigger point injections are a non-surgical treatment for TMJ disorder that may relieve pain and reduce facial muscle spasms. For many patients, trigger point injections help limit damage to healthy teeth, reduce TMJ disorder symptoms, and prevent clenching and grinding. With a few simple injections of corticosteroid into specific muscles, we can help you find the relief you’re searching for.
Schedule A Consultation at Fennell, Yoxthimer, and Associates Today
Whether you’re struggling with jaw pain, clenching, grinding of the teeth, or other symptoms of TMJ disorder, our team of highly trained dentists can help you find the right treatment for you. Take the first step today and schedule a consultation by calling our Cincinnati, OH office at 513-631-6600 or filling out our online contact form.
