Reversible treatments
Some of the treatments for TMJ disorders are reversible and it is advisable that you try these first, before considering more expensive and permanent ones.
- Muscle and ligament tightness can be helped with jaw stretching and relaxing exercises as advised by your doctor.
- If the disorder is caused by jaw clenching or tooth grinding, a stabilisation splint or bite plate may be fitted to reduce the impact of the habit on your teeth and jaws. This is a temporary measure only, as permanent use can change the tooth alignment. If the splint causes pain when worn, stop using it and contact the health professional who fitted it.
- Irrigation of the joint under local anaesthetic may clean out any debris and relieve pain. Irrigation involves injecting saline into the joint with one needle and removing it with a second needle.
- A cortisone (steroid) injection into the joint can reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- If the jaw becomes locked, it may be necessary to manipulate the joint back into place under a general anaesthetic.
Permanent treatments
There is debate around the use of some permanent treatment methods, as they have not been shown to address the problem effectively and, once they are done, they cannot be easily undone. They are extensive and often expensive options that would require discussion with your dentist or specialist:
- Teeth may be polished or ground to make adjustments to the bite.
- Orthodontics (.g. plates, braces) may be fitted to adjust the bite.
- A repositioning splint may be fitted. In contrast to the stabilisation splint, this kind of splint is designed to move the jaw, ligaments and muscles into a new position. Over time this repositioning becomes permanent, and there may be an effect on the tooth alignment. This may mean that dental work is then required to accommodate the modified bite.
- Reconstructive dentistry may be used to change the way teeth bite together and therefore adjust the way the joint moves.
- Jaw joint replacement surgery should be considered a last resort and all other options explored beforehand. It involves replacing the joints with artificial implants.