Treatment of TMJ Syndrome

In the treatment of TMJ or temporomandibular joint syndrome, the objective is to manage the pain and discomfort that this disorder brings to the jaw, neck and face. People with a TMJ disorder usually find it difficult to open their mouths and chew their food because of a tender and stiff jaw.

Here are the methods in the treatment protocol generally recommended for TMJ disorder sufferers:

Biofeedback.

Biofeedback treatment calls for the training of patients in loosening the tension in their muscles and normalizing their heart and pulse rates. This mode of treatment is reserved for TMJ patients whose symptoms are linked to stress. Basically, it uses a biofeedback device that trains patients to keep their jaw muscles relaxed at all times. Patients are told to wear the biofeedback device at night to help them discard the habit of grinding their teeth while asleep, which is one of the major causes of TMJ disorder. The device comes with non-repositioning stabilization and anterior splints aimed at absorbing the pressure when the patient grinds his teeth. Thus, it is appropriately called splint therapy.

Reversible Treatments.

This mode of treatment is in line with the recommendations of health authorities which discourage TMJ cures that permanently alter the teeth or jaw of patients. In other words, temporary alleviation of the TMJ symptoms is encouraged. This can be done by jaw exercises and intake of over-the-counter pain relievers that bring no permanent damage at all.

Mandibular Repositioning.

TMJ patients are told to wear flat bite plate that covers either their upper or lower teeth to eliminate the clicking sensation when they open their mouth wide. Like the biofeedback device, this is worn at night. But the device designed to reposition the mandibular must be worn only for a brief period since longer use may lead to permanent changes in the jaw and teeth.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Treatment in cognitive behavioral therapy proceeds on the premise that TMJ is caused by psychosocial factors. Thus, therapy aims to identify the patient's negative feelings and behaviors towards correcting them. The idea is that if the therapist looks deeper into the patient's personality and past, it would be easier to pinpoint the therapy sessions that would help the patient increase jaw movement and reduce pain. In essence, cognitive behavioral therapy works on the patient's mind in order to turn negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones.

Oral Surgery.

Oral surgery is recommended only for extreme cases. But a procedure called arthrocentesis is a minor surgery that does not cause any permanent changes. This procedure tries to manipulate the jaw by cleansing the temporomandibular joint with a solution that eases the inflammation.