Treatment of TMD - Osborne Bay Dental Health Centre

Treatment of TMD

Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are disorders of the jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints, and the nerves associated with chronic facial pain. Any problem that prevents the complex system of muscles, bones, and joints from working together in harmony may result in temporomandibular disorder.

The following are the most common signs and symptoms of TMD:

-Jaw discomfort or soreness (often most prevalent in the morning or late afternoon)
-Headaches
-Pain spreading behind the eyes, in the face, shoulder, neck, and/or back
-Earaches or ringing in the ears (not caused by an infection of the inner ear canal)
-Clicking or popping of the jaw
-Locking of the jaw
-Limited mouth motions
-Clenching or grinding of the teeth
-Dizziness
-Sensitivity of the teeth without the presence of an oral health disease
-Numbness or tingling sensation in the fingers
-A change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together

Treatments to Aid in TMD

After a thorough clinical assessment and review of your medical history, a treatment plan will be composed to suit your specific needs. Night guards or splints may be used to support joint pain, you may also even be instructed to do a series of exercises at home. Two specific forms of treatment include Botox and Acupuncture and Acupressure.

Botox

Patients dealing with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder can benefit from Botox injections, as well. TMJ disorders can cause severe pain from hyperactivity of the muscles and treatment options have been limited in the past. Now, Botox can simply relax these muscles and dental professionals can offer quick and efficient pain relief.
Bruxism can also be minimized with Botox treatments by reducing the force of the muscular contractions involved. These injections can make a useful adjunct therapy to night guard appliances.

Acupuncture and Acupressure

Often TMD is due to underlying stress held in the jaw or contracted muscles in the jaw and face. Acupuncture can help to both relax these targeted muscles and decrease the overall stress level in the body to relieve TMJ discomfort. Routine follow up appointments will be had to monitor your progress.