Non-surgical Treatments for TMD

One of the advantages of consulting your top Indiana cosmetic dentist is that he carefully evaluates your condition before recommending any treatment for your jaw, head, and neck pain. This includes a review of your medical and oral history plus a complete examination of your teeth, jaw, face, neck, and shoulders. Aside from this, he uses state-of-the-art technology such as cone-beam computed tomography systems (CBCT) in providing an accurate diagnosis and effective solution for your dental problem. Once he gathered the necessary information, he’ll discuss the findings and give you options.

Upon confirming that you have a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), a group of condition affecting your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), jaw muscles, and nerves, the dentist will first recommend non-surgical treatments. This “conservative” approach uses therapy and medications.

Therapy
The dentist may suggest that you wear bite guards or oral splints. The plastic device helps control the positioning of your jaw, reduces stress to the affected joints, and prevents your teeth from grinding. A custom-made bite guards can be fabricated for you.

He may also suggest physical therapy to relax your muscle and increase the range of motion in your joint. You may try some simple stretching exercises, biofeedback, or ultrasound treatments.

Medication
Depending on the severity of your condition, your dentist may also give you anti-inflammatories, analgesics, and muscle relaxants. Anti-inflammatory can reduce pain and swelling. Analgesics also relieve pain. To reduce spasms and tightness, your dentist may also give you muscle relaxants.

Additionally, he may suggest at-home treatments such as using hot compress, eating soft foods, and avoiding extreme jaw movements like gum chewing.

For management and treatment of TMD, feel free to talk to top Indiana cosmetic dentist Dr. David A. Smith. Discuss your concerns and he’ll be happy to help you. Make an appointment by calling 317-597-8748.