The treatment of TMJ disorders can be both surgical and non-surgical. Surgery is usually the last option to treat TMJ disorder after all other measures have failed.
Symptoms
- Jaw pain.
- Pain on the temporomandibular joints.
- Aching around your ear.
- Pain when chewing or having trouble when chewing.
- Joint lock making it difficult to open and close your mouth.
- If you hear a clicking sound when opening and closing your mouth is time to visit a dentist.
Painful TMJ disorders can happen if:
- The disk moves out of its place and starts eroding.
- The joint cartilage is damaged.
- The joint is injured by a blow or during an accident.
Factors that might increase the risk of TMJ
- Arthritis such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid.
- Injury of the jaw.
- Long-term clenching or grinding of teeth.
- Connective tissue diseases.
Diagnosis of TMJ Disorder
The dentist will do the following:
- Feel and listen to your jaw as you open and close your mouth.
- Observe the motion of the jaw and the range.
- Press on the jaw area near the ear to identify any pain.
If the doctor identifies any issue, you will get the following recommendations:
- X-rays for further assessment of your jaw and teeth.
- CT scan to provide more details on the dislocation of the joint.
- MRI scan to check the connective tissue and the disk.
Treatment
Anti-inflammatories and pain relievers
These medicines are to counter pain in the jaw and heal any inflammation.
Antidepressants
These medicines include amitriptyline are given in low doses to relieve pain and treat sleeplessness. When you are in too much pain, you might be unable to sleep.
Muscle relaxants
This medication aims at relieving pain caused by jaw muscles.
Mouthguards or oral splints
A patient can be advised to wear these appliances to manage jaw pain and exercise jaw movements.
Physical therapy
This therapy aims at exercising the jaw muscles.
Counseling
Counselling will help you understand how to avoid pain and to exercise your jaws.
Surgical Treatment Procedures
Where medication and therapy methods have failed, the doctor may recommend surgical treatment like the following.
Arthrocentesis
This method involves the insertion of needles, small ones, into the joint. The needles aim at removing debris and products that cause inflammation.
Injections
Botulinum toxin type A is injected in the jaw muscles to relieve pain. It helps to reduce pain so that you can be able to chew comfortably.
TMJ arthroscopy
This is a surgical procedure to treat different types of TMJ disorders. A thin tube is fixed in the joint to correct the joint movement. This surgery has fewer risks.
Mandible surgery
This surgery is done to correct the locking problem and pain you experience when opening and closing your mouth.
Open-joint surgery
If the structure of your joint has a problem, the doctor may recommend this surgery. Surgery is needed to repair the structure and it involves more risks. However, the dentist will consider this option as a very last resort.
If you have been diagnosed with TMJ disorder, it is important to discuss with your dentist the best treatment method. Know about the risks involved and the advantages. This will help you to psychologically prepare your mind for the treatment. You will also ask any questions about the cost and the duration of the treatment.
At Dental Singapore, we have trained dentist who will provide you with proper counsel on how to treat the TMJ disorder. You will be assessed, and once TMJ disorder is diagnosed, you are given different treatment options. The doctor will guide you on the most effective method to treat TMJ pain and inflammation. Book an appointment with us today, and our dentist is ready to help you.
Always aim to work with licensed and trained dentists for Dental and TMJ disorder treatment.