You want to treat TMJ pain early. Like with any medical condition early treatment is the key to making sure things don’t get worse. If you don’t treat even mild TMJ pain you can cause even more damage to the joint. You can usually avoid more invasive treatment (like surgery) if you treat TMJ pain early.
Most of the time mild TMJ pain is easy to treat. But some patients find that they need more invasive treatment. It’s always important to fully understand your unique case before choosing a treatment option.
At PRECiDENT, we always take our time to make sure you get the treatment that you need. We work with you and your medical team to find solutions that truly work.
If you are experiencing TMJ pain for the first time you should start by resting your joint. Your jaw joint needs to be treated like your other joints. If you hurt your knee for example, your doctor will tell you to rest it. The same is true for your jaw joint.
Of course, resting your knee is easier than not using your jaw joint. You need your TMJ to eat, to speak, to yawn. Regardless, you need to give your joint a chance to rest. You can do this by going on a soft food diet for a while. You can also use ice/heat therapy to reduce swelling and pain. We also recommend trying over-the-counter pain medications until the pain subsides.
If your jaw joint has significant damage or a displaced disc you may need TMJ surgery. There are several different types of surgery to treat TMJ disorders:
The right type of surgery will depend on your needs. Of course, surgery is more invasive than any other TMJ treatment. So, it’s important to talk everything over with our TMJ team before making a decision
Mouthguards are one of the most common treatments for TMJ disorders. Mouthguards work by absorbing the pressure caused when you clench or grind your teeth. You want to make sure you get your mouthguard from a dentist or oral surgeon. Store-bought mouthguards aren’t made to fit the unique shape of your mouth and so won’t be as effective.
If you are experiencing TMJ pain for the first time you should start by resting your joint. Your jaw joint needs to be treated like your other joints. If you hurt your knee for example, your doctor will tell you to rest it. The same is true for your jaw joint.
Of course, resting your knee is easier than not using your jaw joint. You need your TMJ to eat, to speak, to yawn. Regardless, you need to give your joint a chance to rest. You can do this by going on a soft food diet for a while. You can also use ice/heat therapy to reduce swelling and pain. We also recommend trying over-the-counter pain medications until the pain subsides.
We may also consider orthodontics for treating TMJ disorder. Sometimes TMJ pain is caused by a misaligned bite. Your jaw and teeth work together as a whole system. If your bite isn’t aligned correctly then it makes your jaw work harder. Over time your jaw joint can begin to break down due to this extra pressure. Orthodontics can correct your bite and when combined with other treatments helps to relieve TMJ pain.
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