Treatment Options for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

It’s hard to find relief when your whole face hurts. At least, it may feel this way if you have problems with your temporomandibular joint. Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD, affects the small “hinges” that attach your lower jawbone to your skull. This joint makes it possible for your mouth to open and close at will. You use it when you speak, bite, chew, and drink, which is why life can become complicated when there’s a problem. Fortunately, your orthodontist in Solon, OH, has a variety of treatment solutions for TMD.

Prescription Medications

Several classes of drugs may be instrumental in easing the pain and discomfort of TMD. They include:

• Anti-Inflammatory pain relievers
• Muscle relaxers
• Antedepressants

Your orthodontist will begin with the least invasive method to help you manage the symptoms of TMD. If these aren’t working, they may move onto specific therapies.

Oral Therapy

Physical therapy sessions that exercise your jaw and help strengthen your TMJ are often helpful. So are occlusional appliances, such as mouth guards or oral splints that you wear over your teeth. Other types of therapy that help you break damaging habits such as clenching or grinding your teeth may also be beneficial.

Injections

Sometimes, corticosteroid injections can bring relief from the pain of TMD. Your orthodontist may also use a needle to inject fluid into the joint in an effort to wash away any irritating debris. Injections of BOTOX may also help relieve pain.

Surgery

If none of these options are enough to ease the pain and discomfort of temporomandibular joint disorder, your orthodontist may recommend surgery to reposition the mandible or replace the joint. Regardless, your surgeon will sit down with you first to discuss your upcoming procedure and to answer any questions you may have.

Help for TMD in Solon, OH

If you’re experiencing pain or problems with temperomandibular joint disorder in Solon, OH, McGuire Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics has solutions. Call today to schedule a convenient time to come in for a consultation.

Sources

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350945