Options for Treating TMJ

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TMJ is also known as temporomandibular joint disorder, and many people suffer from it every day. Most people that suffer from TMJ are constantly seeking ways to feel better.

Talking with a dental professional as well as a medical professional can help someone find the relief that they need. While they will likely offer a number of solutions, the treatment method may vary based on the person’s pain as well as their situation. In this article, we will discuss a few common treatment methods for TMJ. Read more below!

How to treat TMJ

While some people may experience that their pain goes away on its own, a lot of people continue to suffer and want to know what ways they can manage their discomfort.

Medications

Just like with any other physical dysfunction that is causing pain, a lot of medical or dental professionals will recommend or prescribe that certain medications are used to help relieve some of the pain.

There are different medications that may help a person based on their level of pain as well as other factors that contribute to their health. Some doctors or dentist may recommend that a few different ones are tried over the course of some time to see which best works. Below, are the most common medications used to treat TMJ:

Antidepressants: While these medications are most commonly used for depression, they are also given to people with TMJ because it can help with the pain as well as with bruxism which often correlates with TMJ.

Pain relievers: The most common medication that a person can take for TMJ is a simple pain reliever. Over-the-counter medications may help but sometimes a stronger prescribed dosage of a pain reliever is necessary.

Anti-inflammatory: Medications that help reduce inflammation can greatly help people with TMJ. Some anti-inflammatory medications go hand in hand with pain relievers because they both work to reduce inflammation or irritation.

Muscle relaxers: Muscle relaxers are often prescribed to help people relax their jaw. TMJ can make the jaw stiff and tight so medication to help relax the facial muscles can help.

Therapy

Both physical and mental therapy can really help someone who has TMJ. Physical therapy can allow for a person to work with a professional who can help find ways to relax or stretch the jaw to relieve it from some of the discomfort or stiffness. And, mental or psychiatric therapy can help a person to find certain triggers that might be causing the TMJ to occur. People that clench their jaw or do certain things that make their jaw tighter can find comfort in talking with someone who can help them recognize those mental triggers.

Surgery or procedures

If TMJ persists for quite some time and a person is unable to find relief, they may likely inquire about procedures or surgeries that can be done in order to completely treat the TMJ. There are certain procedures that may allow for a professional to work on the jawbone joint or on the areas around it so that a person no longer feels pain.

The bottom line

TMJ can be a painful and irritating condition to live with. A lot of people may feel hopeless, but they should not. There are many different kinds of treatments that they can receive or undergo to help relieve, manage and treat the pain or discomfort that they feel from TMJ. Talking with a dental or medical professional about ways to treat TMJ can be ultimately the best thing to do.

If you have questions about TMJ and what to do in order to treat it then reach out to our office today. Our trained professionals can help answer any questions that you might have. Give us a call or stop in today!

Request an appointment here: https://yousmiledental.com or call You Smile Dental at (408) 361-8133 for an appointment in our Santa Clara office.

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