Non-Surgical Treatments for TMD

April 11, 2014

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a common condition that affects the jaw joint and the muscles that control a person’s jaw movement. It is characterized by pain in the jaw, neck, ear, and face coupled with other discomfort such as difficulty in opening or closing the mouth and problems in chewing. If you experience these symptoms, you need to see Dr. Doug Forbes of Total Dental Care of South Carolina immediately, so he can check your condition and let you take the necessary tests before recommending the appropriate treatment for you. Depending on your case, he may suggest bite guards, physical therapy, or medication.

Oral splints

To stabilize your bite, your South Carolina dentist may ask you to wear oral splints or bite guards. The plastic device is worn over your upper or lower teeth to treat jaw muscle pain and tightness.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy helps relax your muscle and increase the range of motion in the joint. It includes stretching exercise, biofeedback, and ultrasound treatments. While performing these exercises, you can apply warm compress to the side of your face. You may also want to try yoga, acupuncture or stress management to ease the pain.

Medication

Some medications can also alleviate the pain. Your dental health practitioner may give you analgesics, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, nerve pain medications, or anti-anxiety medications. If over-the-counter drugs can’t relieve the pain, he may prescribe a higher dosage.

In addition to this, your dentist also provides counseling that will help you understand some of the factors and behaviors that can cause pain. You may also need to modify your lifestyle by changing your diet and avoiding stress.

If you notice some signs of TMD, it’s wise to consult your Columbia SC dentist so that you can get the needed treatment at once. For appointment, please call 803-272-4162.

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