TMJ Care

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, often referred to as TMD, affect the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, causing pain, discomfort, and limited jaw mobility. Dentists play a key role in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders, using a variety of approaches tailored to the patient’s symptoms and condition severity.

The first step in treatment involves a comprehensive evaluation, including a physical exam, patient history, and sometimes imaging like X-rays or MRIs. Dentists may recommend conservative treatments such as medications (pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants) or non-invasive therapies like physical therapy, which focuses on jaw exercises and muscle relaxation techniques. In some cases, stress management and behavioral therapies are suggested to address factors like teeth grinding (bruxism).

Dentists may also prescribe custom-made oral occlusal splints or mouthguards to help reduce clenching or grinding, which can alleviate stress on the TMJ. For severe or persistent cases, dentists might refer patients to specialists for more advanced treatments, such as corticosteroid injections or, in rare cases, surgery to correct structural issues.

Overall, dentists aim for a multi-faceted, minimally invasive approach, focusing on pain relief, muscle relaxation, and joint stabilization to help manage TMJ disorders effectively.