More about TMJ Treatments

Fortunately, a diagnosis of TMD is not necessarily something that you should be afraid of, nor does it entail a one-size-fits-all treatment plan. Patients who need TMJ treatment should be aware that there are a variety of oral facial pain treatments available. At Dr. Markman’s office, you will be given all possible alternatives in order to provide the best, most comfortable options possible for treating your TMD.

Appliance Therapy:

Intraoral orthotics are used to reposition and stabilize the jaw and to create a healing environment, enabling tissue of the TMJ joint to heal. A great deal of time is spent in adjusting the orthotic, in order to unload the pressure on the jaw joints, especially for those who brush vigorously at night.

Medication Therapy:

Pharmaceuticals are used to control inflammation. They are also used to induce muscle relaxation and of course to eliminate pain. The obvious way to obtain this kind of treatment is to swallow medications.

Physical Medicine:

There are other ways to get medication to where it is needed. One method is iontophoresis. Instead of swallowing a pill, medication is placed over the tender area and a low voltage electrical impulse drives the medication into the area. A similar method is phonophoresis: Medication is placed over the tender spot and ultrasound is used to send the medication to the stressed area.

Acupuncture:

Acupuncture is a technique used to stimulate the body to produce pain-relieving endorphins and also induce local healing. Several sequential appointments are required. This procedure is virtually painless.

Low Voltage Electronics:

An electronic device directs a pulsating current to the effected area.

Trigger Point Injections:

Numbing medication is placed into injured, cramped, dysfunctional muscles to help restore them to health and function. A dry needling procedure is used concurrently and is an important part of trigger point injections.

Home Exercise Programs:

Information is given to patients to help them do home exercise programs intended to strengthen weakened muscles, and to stretch muscles which haven’t been used often enough.