Treatment For TMJ Pain

Treatment for TMJ dysfunction begins with proper screening done by a professional. It ends with the proper treatment plan constructed by that professional and the patient finding relief from their TMJ pain.

Screening:

- Certain screening tests can be performed and give the doctor an insight on what the issue may be. Some common screening tests that will be utilized include:

• Mouth opening test:

Where the doctor will carefully examine how you open your mouth.

• Centric Relation Provocation Test (CRPT):

Where the doctor will put the jaw in a position that may compromise the disc within the TMJ and see if it causes any pain. If there is pain, then this may be a more complicated case. There may be instability of the disc within the TMJ.

• Palpation:

Muscle palpation around the joint, face, and neck. The doctor will be checking for overactive musculature.

• Active TMJ palpation:

Here the doctor will be assessing hyper and hypomobility of the joint. There may be one side of the jaw that moves too much and one side that moves too little. This can cause muscle imbalances within the jaw and cause dysfunction of the joint.

• Mandibular Range of Motion:

Here the doctor will look at how far you can open your mouth. This can determine such things as overactive muscles that may cause restrictions in the jaw during motion.

Conservative Treatment for TMJ Procedures:

• PIR and ART of the hypertonic musculature:

Post-isometric relaxtion and active release technique will help relax any overactive or hypertonic musculature related to the TMJ. This will usually involve the main muscle of mastication (chewing), and even some neck muscles.

• TMJ mobilization:

The doctor will mobilize the side of the joint that is restricted or hypomobile. There are NO adjustments or thrusts involved in this procedure. It is more of a distraction of the joint.

• Spinal adjustments:

The chiropractic doctor will also assess the neck and spine and adjust any areas that are restricted.

• Exercises:

The patient will be given specific instructions and at home exercises. The instructions and exercises will help retrain the muscles of the jaw and “wake up” inhibited muscles of the jaw which are important in normal function.

Correcting certain habits such as sitting and standing postures is also crucial. Chewing of gum should also be stopped.

Current Treatment for TMJ by Dentists or Medical Doctors:

• Splints, orthotics, orthoses, bite guards, bite planes, and nightguards.

• Complications of orthopedic appliances: cavities, gingival inflammation, mouth odors, speech difficulties, occlusal changes (of the “bite”) and psychological dependence.

• If appliances are worn for longer than 30 days, there can be a change in the occlusion (“bite of the teeth”).

• Splints will improve some muscle imbalances, but after 30-60 days things will level off, and then can go downward. The pain can come back.

*It is important for the patient to understand self-care and management*

• Ideally we want the dentist to help manage rehabilitation of TMJ cases with a flat plane stabilizer (orthopedic appliance), while the TMJ specialist can educate and retrain the patient.

Return From Treatment for TMJ to TMJ Pain Relief