Treatment options for pain in the jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement may include pain management, medical therapies and. Implants are artificial devices used to replace part of the jaw joint or the entire joint. There are currently three FDA-approved temporomandibular joint implants. Your dentist may prescribe higher doses of NSAIDs if you need them for pain and puffiness.
They may suggest a muscle relaxant to relax your jaw if you grind or clench your teeth or an anti-anxiety medication to relieve stress, which can cause temporomandibular disorders. In low doses, they can also help reduce or control pain. Muscle relaxants, anti-anxiety medications, and antidepressants are only available by prescription. Most of the time, pain and discomfort related to temporomandibular joint disorders last on their own a limited time.
Self-managed home care, physical therapy for the jaw and the use of a mouth guard can be effective in treating symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder. Surgery is often the last resort after conservative measures have failed. However, surgical treatments may help some people with temporomandibular joint disorders. Patient support education is the recommended initial treatment for temporomandibular muscular dystrophy, 28,29 Complementary measures include jaw rest, a soft diet, moist and warm compresses and passive stretching exercises.
Immobilization of the TMJ has shown no benefit and may worsen symptoms as a result of muscle contractures, muscle fatigue, and reduced synovial fluid production, 30. Living with temporomandibular joint pain can be difficult, but there are many treatments available that can help. From lifestyle changes to physical therapy, medications, alternative therapies, and even surgery, there are options to help reduce discomfort and improve quality of life. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Referral to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is recommended if the patient has a history of trauma or fracture of the temporomandibular complex, severe pain and dysfunction due to an internal disorder that does not respond to conservative measures or pain without an identifiable source that persists for more than three to six months.
This exercise will help stretch and strengthen the muscles that support the jaw, reducing tension and pain in the temporomandibular joint. Your dentist, TMJ specialist, or other healthcare professional can discuss possible causes and treatments. The dentist may take full x-rays of the face to look at the jaws, temporomandibular joint, and teeth to rule out other problems. Other literature searches included the Cochrane library, UpToDate, Essential Evidence Plus, the International Dental Research Association, and the TMJ Association, Ltd.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge that connects the mandible to the temporal bones of the skull, which are in front of each ear. The following are treatments that are often recommended to patients, as well as useful resources to help them make decisions about their health care. The results of an evidence-based literature review of various pharmacological options are shown in table 2.38 to 50. NSAIDs are first-line drugs that are usually used for 10 to 14 days to the initial treatment of acute pain.
As science learns more about TMJ and its associated structures, many members of the healthcare community are reevaluating TMJ treatments and the ways in which they were developed. If the suggested treatments don't provide enough relief, you may be referred to a health professional who specializes in temporomandibular joint disorders. While some studies have shown that TENS can help alleviate pain in temporomandibular disorders and improve the ability to open the mouth, the studies were small and focused on short-term treatments. Prolotherapy consists of injecting a solution into the area of the temporomandibular joint that causes irritation, with the aim of making the body respond by repairing the articulation.
It helps strengthen the muscles of the jaw and face, which can help reduce tension in the temporomandibular joint and alleviate pain. You'll probably first discuss temporomandibular joint symptoms with your dentist or family's healthcare professional.
