Non-Surgical TMJ Disorder Treatment for Jaw Joint Relief

What is non-surgical TMJ (Jaw Joint) disorder treatment?
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is used to refer to disorders of the jaw joint and surrounding muscles that cause pain, discomfort and limitation of movement. Non-surgical treatments for TMJ problems are medical approaches used to relieve symptoms and improve jaw functionality without resorting to invasive techniques. These treatments are often preferred because of their effectiveness, safety and elimination of the underlying causes of the disorder without surgical intervention.
What are the symptoms of TMJ disorders?
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking sound when moving the jaw
- Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth
- Facial pain or swelling of the face
- Headache, earache or neck pain
Non-surgical TMJ (Jaw Joint) disorder treatment methods
Non-surgical jaw joint treatment (Temporomandibular Joint Treatment - TMJ) is generally preferred for individuals with pain, limitation of movement, or functional disorders in the jaw joint. This treatment is usually performed with less invasive methods without the need for surgery.1. Splint (Night Plate) Treatment:
Treatment is performed by using a specially prepared splint or night plate to reduce the pressure on the jaw joint and prevent teeth clenching or grinding. In this treatment, the plate is usually worn while sleeping.
2. Invisalign - Clear Aligners Treatment:
Invisalign - Clear aligners treatment can indirectly help with jaw joint problems. However, this treatment cannot be used to treat jaw joint disorders directly; it is usually used to identify and address underlying problems. Malocclusion (maladjusted bite) can cause a significant proportion of jaw joint disorders. Clear aligners can reduce the load on the jaw joint by aligning the teeth properly. In addition, clear aligners provide indirect protection for people with bruxism (teeth clenching). Since the aligners cover the teeth, they can reduce the pressure on the jaw joint to some extent.

If the incompatibility between the upper and lower jaw is the cause of the jaw joint problem, clear aligners can restore this harmony.
In addition to orthodontic treatment, invisalign - clear aligners are also used as night plates to support the jaw joint. However, a simple and special design may be required for this purpose.
3. Medication and Arthrocentesis:
Muscle relaxants can be prescribed by your doctor to reduce muscle spasms. Anti-inflammatory drugs are used to relieve pain and inflammation in the jaw joint. You can also use painkillers for short-term pain control. Arthrocentesis involves intra-articular flushing and injection of medication.
4. Botulinum Toxin Applications:
Injecting low doses of botulinum toxin into the muscles around the jaw to relax the jaw muscles and reduce habits such as clenching and grinding teeth and to provide relief is one of the treatment methods applied.
5. Behavioral Treatments:
In cases where stress affects the jaw muscles, relaxation techniques and meditation therapy are recommended. However, habits that strain the jaw, such as chewing gum, may need to be avoided.
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)6. Diet and Lifestyle Changes: We recommend soft foods to avoid overloading the jaw joint. It is also important to pay attention to the position of the jaw at the computer or while lying down.
6. Diet and Lifestyle Changes:
We recommend consuming soft foods to avoid overloading the jaw joint. It is also important to pay attention to the position of the jaw when working at the computer or lying down and reclining.
7. Manual Treatment or Osteopathy:
We use manual techniques to release tension in the jaw and neck muscles.
8. Physical Therapy:
Provides strengthening and relaxation of the jaw muscles. Muscle tension is reduced with special massage techniques applied to the jaw and facial muscles. We use hot/cold compresses for pain management.
9. Dextrose Prolotherapy:
Helps to reduce pain in the jaw joint and improve joint function. Dextrose prolotherapy is a regenerative injection therapy that treats various musculoskeletal disorders. It is applied in jaw joint (Temporomandibular Joint - TMJ) problems to support the healing of damaged structures of the joint.
Non-surgical and surgical TMJ treatment is performed by our experienced dentists. Make an appointment for your check-up at one of our Dentapolitan Oral and Dental Health Hospitals in Turkey, Istanbul.