TMJ disorder is a painful disorder of the jaw. TMJ treatment can help to ease the pain and discomfort of the disorder. A TMD/Orofacial Pain specialist can also provide you with TMJ treatment options. Let’s take a look at three of the most common TMJ treatment options.
1. Medications
According to Statista, the value of the medication market for treating TMJ is about $227 million and is expected to rise to $303 million in the next five years. Medication to treat TMJ can include anti-inflammatory medications, medication to treat depressive disorders, and muscle relaxers. Typically, your doctor will start with a conservative regimen of medication.
Medication can help treat the pain of TMJ but does not address the cause. Of course, there are some risk factors when taking medication. It would be best if you told your oral surgeon about any medications you are taking to avoid unwanted interactions.
2. Physical Therapy
Your oral surgeon may recommend a round or two of physical therapy to help manage your TMJ. Physical therapy is a non-invasive treatment option that can help to ease the pain of TMJ. Physical therapy treatment can include exercising the jaw and using ice and warmth to treat the TMJ. Night guards are often prescribed for patients with TMJ to reduce the amount of grinding while sleeping. Physical therapy requires you to continue the exercises at home. It can help, and it may be something that gives you results.
3. Surgery
When all else fails, surgery is always an option. Surgery can fix the problem permanently. Correcting the joint via surgery, of course, is a more invasive procedure. Surgical interventions can cure the TMJ by removing the debris and repairing the joint. The procedure is done arthroscopically.
The recovery time from TMJ surgery can be extensive. However, most people report they are glad they had the surgery. Whether or not surgery is the right solution for your TMJ is a decision you should make with the guidance of your oral surgeon.
You don’t have to suffer from the pain of TMJ. There are TMJ treatments that can help. Make an appointment with a trusted provider today to discuss your options. Get in touch with TMJ Care if you’re interested in learning more.