How is tmj pain treated

Research has found that splints can reduce TMJ pain and the risk of long-term side effects is minimal. There are two main types of dental splint, a TMJ mouthguard, and a bruxism tooth grinding mouthguard. A TMJ mouthguard is a hard piece of plastic that helps to reposition and stabilize the jaw, it should take the pressure off the jaw and reduce symptoms of TMJ.

Depending on the severity of your teeth grinding, a bruxism mouthguard can be made of either hard plastic, or soft and pliable material to provide cushioning and reduce any pain associated with clenching.

You can buy generic bite guards online, but it is important to protect your natural bite and these online options are vastly unregulated. For the best results, refrain from diagnosing and treating yourself, instead visit a dentist.

Injections into the jaw can be effective at providing temporary relief from symptoms of TMJ. It is minimally invasive, taking less than 30 minutes, and has no recovery time. Corticosteroid injections help to reduce any inflammation and pain in the TMJ and reduces chronic jaw pain. Botox is also used for the treatment of TMJ symptoms. Botox is a neurotoxin that paralyzes the muscles in the jaw, preventing clenching and alleviating symptoms.

Only when the above treatments have been unsuccessful, will more major TMJ treatment options be recommended. Arthroscopy and arthrocentesis are minimally invasive procedures but the recovery time still averages about a week. J Oral Rehabil. Stohler CS. Muscle-related temporomandibular disorders. J Orofac Pain. Okeson JP, de Leeuw R. Differential diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders and other orofacial pain disorders.

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Arthrocentesis and lavage for treating temporomandibular joint disorders. Arthroscopy for temporomandibular disorders. This content is owned by the AAFP. A person viewing it online may make one printout of the material and may use that printout only for his or her personal, non-commercial reference.

This material may not otherwise be downloaded, copied, printed, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any medium, whether now known or later invented, except as authorized in writing by the AAFP.

Contact afpserv aafp. Want to use this article elsewhere? Get Permissions. Read the Issue. Sign Up Now. Next: Screening for Oral Cancer. Mar 15, Issue. Diagnosis and Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders. Author disclosure: No relevant financial affiliations. C 37 , 44 , 47 , 51 Cognitive behavior therapy and biofeedback improve short- and long-term pain management for patients with TMD. B 10 , 36 Occlusal adjustments of the teeth i. B 61 Referral to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon should be recommended for patients in whom conservative therapy is ineffective and in those with functional jaw limitations or unexplained persistent pain.

Enlarge Print Figure 1. Figure 1. Enlarge Print eTable A. Enlarge Print Table 1. Table 1. Enlarge Print eTable B. Sitting in an unideal position for long periods of time can cause you to feel more pain in your jaw.

When working, choose a chair with back support and take frequent breaks to improve your posture. While driving, set your seat to be as upright as possible, and while doing leisure activities, such as watching TV or reading, choose a space that allows you to sit upright and place a pillow behind your back for support.

To help minimize TMJ pain, sleep on your back and use pillows to support your neck. You should avoid sleeping on your stomach, and if sleeping on your side, do not place your hand on your jaw. Ice helps reduce swelling and pain, while heat can increase blood flow and relax your jaw muscles.

Apply a hot or cold compress to your jaw for 15 to 20 minutes at a time using a light layer between the compress and your skin. Try mediation techniques to help loosen and relax your jaw. Yoga practices can also help put less stress on your muscles, and gardening is a great activity to try to calm your mind and relax your face.