TMJ Treatment Without Surgery

The biggest misconception about TMJ treatment is that there is a “one-size-fits-all” remedy. As with every other medical condition, TMJ disorder is a problem that needs to be looked at on an individual basis, and treated accordingly.

The good news is that most TMJ treatments are relatively simple. Contrary to popular belief, surgery is not always necessary. In fact, many remedies can be done in the comfort of your home. Having said that, it is crucial that a proper diagnosis is made by a dentist or dental specialist. Routine dental visits are also important to monitor the TMJ symptoms and to make the necessary treatment adjustments.

Medications

There are a number of prescription medications that can aid in TMJ pain relief. However, remember that all prescription drugs should only be administered under the supervision of a medical practitioner or specialist. Some research show that the right medications combined with jaw exercises developed to specifically stretch the jaw muscles can be effective in battling this condition. Unfortunately, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen may not always work to counter the effects of TMJ pain.

Modifying Your Diet

Until your condition gets better, stick with soft foods and stay away from foods that are hard or that require a lot of chewing like gum.

The following are some diet tips that have helped individual TMJ disorder sufferers deal with pain:

Mouth Guards

For extreme cases of TMJ disorder which involve jaw clenching and teeth grinding (especially at night), using a mouth guard (sometimes referred to as a night guard) may be beneficial. The soft night guard prevents your teeth from wear-and-tear as a result of tension caused by unconscious stress. Be aware, though, that night guards can aggravate sleep apnea symptoms. So, keep a close monitor on your sleeping patterns during the first few days of using a night guard.

Managing Stress

In most cases, TMJ disorder is caused by stress, or rather the mis-management of stress. In this scenario, your dentist or doctor may not be able to help you using physical treatments, but may refer you to a psychotherapist. This is a good way to get to the root of your daily stress patterns. The psychotherapist will help you identify the source of stress, manage stress triggers, change behaviors and teach you relaxation techniques.

Minor Surgical Procedures

In lieu of major joint replacement surgery, your dentist may determine that your condition can be rectified with simple dental treatments like balancing the biting surfaces of your teeth, replacing missing teeth, or replacing fillings or crowns. These procedures are relatively routine sessions that will not disrupt your daily activities.