What is tmd treatment

Total joint replacement replaces the jaw joint with artificial parts. In some cases the artificial parts have not worked correctly or have broken. The available technology for this surgery is still considered to be experimental and risky. Surgery is not needed in most cases of disc displacement. If this and other nonsurgical treatment to relax the muscles are not successful, arthrocentesis may effectively treat your condition.

If you are thinking about surgery, get a second opinion on your condition and treatment. Many types of treatment can successfully relieve temporomandibular disorder TMD symptoms. Different doctors will suggest different treatments, any of which may work to relieve jaw and facial pain. If a doctor recommends that you try a treatment that might make permanent changes to your jaw or teeth, get a second opinion.

Depending on your condition, one of the following choices may be more effective than another. Safe options for treatment of TMD include:. Many different types of treatment for temporomandibular disorders TMD have potential for successfully relieving your condition. If your problem is linked to muscle tension, any treatment that helps you relax your jaw muscles with no adverse effects is likely to be helpful. Different treatments work for different people. Author: Healthwise Staff. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.

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Updated visitor guidelines. Top of the page. Temporomandibular Disorders TMD. What are the symptoms? What causes temporomandibular disorders? TMD can start when there is a problem with the joint itself, such as: An injury to the joint or the tissues around it. Problems with how the joint is shaped. Joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. The articular disc that cushions the joint shifts out of place. How is a temporomandibular disorder diagnosed? How is it treated?

Rest your jaw joint. Use medicines for a short time, to reduce swelling or relax muscles. Put either an ice pack or a warm, moist cloth on your jaw for 15 minutes several times a day if it makes your jaw feel better.

Or you can switch back and forth between moist heat and cold. Gently open and close your mouth while you use the ice pack or heat. Eat soft foods. And avoid chewy foods and chewing gum. Health Tools Health Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health. Decision Points focus on key medical care decisions that are important to many health problems.

Cause Temporomandibular disorders TMD can result from a single cause or, more commonly, a combination of causes. The main causes of TMDs include: Muscle tension tightness and spasm.

Muscle tension in the jaw, face, head, neck, and shoulders may make your jaw feel achy, stiff, and painful, especially when moving your jaw. Muscle tension may be: Caused by stress and anxiety and by stress-related habits, such as daytime or nighttime clenching or grinding of your teeth bruxism , excessive gum chewing, or nail biting.

A response to injury or structural problems within the joint. Problems in the internal structure of the joint, such as: Displacement of the disc that cushions the joint. Degenerative disease, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, which causes inflammation and destruction of the joint tissues. Scar tissue or bone damage caused by accidental injury or a blow to the jaw.

Disease, such as a tumor, or structural problems present at birth congenital. Symptoms Symptoms of temporomandibular disorders TMDs are usually mild and temporary and typically do not get worse with time. Common symptoms include: Joint pain when the jaw is moving, as when opening the mouth widely, chewing, or yawning. Such pain can occur: Usually on one side of the jaw, but it can be on both sides. Either gradually or suddenly, as when biting down on something hard or following a blow to the jaw.

Muscle pain or tenderness in the face, ear, head, neck, or shoulders. In children with TMDs, headaches are often related to grinding the teeth bruxism. Clicking, popping, cracking, or grating that is painful and occurs when opening the jaw may be a sign of disc displacement. Clicking or popping noises without pain are common and do not require treatment.

The jaw locking in an open or closed position or not opening wide disc displacement. If the jaw locks for more than a few moments, a muscle spasm usually follows. What Happens The course of temporomandibular disorders TMDs caused by muscle tension varies depending on the cause of the muscle tension.

If muscle tension is related to a one-time overuse injury such as holding your mouth open for a long time during a dental exam , the pain and discomfort may go away without treatment. If there is long-lasting chronic muscle tension due to stress, anxiety, an injury or blow to the jaw, or habits like grinding the teeth during sleep, treatment including changing certain habits may relieve pain and discomfort.

If chronic muscle tension is not treated, it may gradually cause changes in the joint structure or osteoarthritis. TMDs caused by problems in the structure of the jaw joint may: Respond well to nonsurgical treatment, if treated early. Get worse, if not treated. Long-term consequences include injury to the disc or other tissues in the joint, arthritis, or chronic pain. Chronic pain In some cases, TMDs can be extremely painful and disabling and last a long time.

Repetitive habits, such as grinding your teeth bruxism , clenching your teeth, excessive gum chewing, eating hard or chewy foods, and nail biting. Habits that can cause muscle tension, such as sleeping on one side of your face or with your mouth open, opening your mouth wide when yawning or singing, or holding your head up by cradling your jaw in your hand.

Injury to the jaw or head. TMDs can result from a direct blow to the jaw, chin, or head; whiplash to the head or neck; overstretching the jaw during dental work or surgery; or other injuries that may lead to joint damage or muscle tension. Age and gender. TMDs are more common in younger adults ages 20 to 50 and in women. When should you call your doctor? Call your dentist or doctor immediately if you have had an injury to your jaw or face and: Your jaw is very painful.

Your jaw is locked open or shut, or you are unable to move your jaw easily or smoothly a sign of disc displacement, dislocation, or fracture. Your jaw appears to be deformed or swollen.

There is swelling in the sides of your face. Your teeth no longer fit together normally when biting down malocclusion. A severe headache or neck ache strikes suddenly, without apparent cause, or is different from previous headaches.

Call your dentist or doctor if you: Have pain when moving your jaw biting, chewing, swallowing, talking, or yawning that is not getting better after 2 weeks of home treatment.

Have had jaw pain for a long time chronic. Have anxiety, stress, or work-related problems caused by your jaw discomfort and pain. Continue to have symptoms such as pain with clicking or cracking sounds or your jaw locks after 2 weeks of home treatment. Notice a change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth.

Who to see Your treatment for temporomandibular disorder TMD may involve several different health professionals. Initial evaluation can be done by a: Dentist. Family medicine doctor or other primary care health professional. Further diagnosis and treatment may be done by a: Dentist who specializes in treating TMDs. Physical therapist. Facial pain expert. Oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Additional treatment may be provided by: A mental health professional for stress management. A specialist in a chronic pain clinic often located in a dental school or hospital setting. A physical therapist. A registered dietitian , especially if you are unable to eat solid foods. Exams and Tests Currently there is no widely accepted standard test for identifying the cause of temporomandibular disorders TMDs.

If conservative treatment has not worked If conservative treatment has not worked and your jaw is locking in place a sign of disc displacement , your pain is severe or chronic, or you have other medical problems, such as rheumatoid arthritis, other tests may be needed.

Other tests may include: X-ray. This test can confirm whether the bones are worn away, broken, or disfigured. This means a dislocated jaw or displaced disk, cushion of cartilage between the head of the jaw bone and the skull , or injury to the condyle the rounded end of the jaw bone that articulates with the temporal skull bone.

Degenerative joint disease. This includes osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the jaw joint. In many cases, the actual cause of this disorder may not be clear. Sometimes the main cause is excessive strain on the jaw joints and the muscle group that controls chewing, swallowing, and speech. This strain may be a result of bruxism.

This is the habitual, involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth. But trauma to the jaw, the head, or the neck may cause TMD. Arthritis and displacement of the jaw joint disks can also cause TMD pain. In other cases, another painful medical condition such as fibromyalgia or irritable bowel syndrome may overlap with or worsen the pain of TMD.

A recent study by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research identified clinical, psychological, sensory, genetic, and nervous system factors that may put a person at higher risk of developing chronic TMD. Back to Health A to Z. Temporomandibular disorder TMD is a condition affecting the movement of the jaw.

It's not usually serious and generally gets better on its own. If these treatments do not help, you may be referred to a specialist in joint problems to discuss other options, such as painkilling injections or surgery.