Exploring TMD Treatment Options

Woman Learning About TMD Treatment
Posted on

Woman Learning About TMD TreatmentAt Headache and TMJ Center of New Jersey, West Orange TMJ dentist Dr. Ivan F. Stein treats disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in the jaw. TMJ disorder, or TMD, may be caused by a variety of factors (e.g., teeth grinding, dental work, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.), but is most often characterized by a damaged dental structure involving the teeth, TMJ, jaw muscles, and related ligaments and nerves. TMD often causes pain, swelling and a range of other symptoms that can affect the TMJ region, the face, head, neck and even shoulders.

Proper diagnosis of what is causing your TMD is crucial to formulating a proper treatment plan. At Headache and TMJ Center of New Jersey, the TMD specialists may recommend a combination of modalities that can alleviate your painful TMD symptoms and often reverse your TMD. Here are some of the common TMD treatment options that we offer.

Orthotic Therapy. This treatment option involves the use of a customized dental appliance which allows the jaw to maintain a relaxed position. Maintaining a neutral position of the jaw helps eliminate the muscle spasms in the area that often occur as a result of over-firing nerves. The unobtrusive acrylic oral appliance also helps protect the teeth against any damage that might occur as a result of unintentional bruxism (teeth grinding) while sleeping.

Ultrasound Treatment. This modality delivers sound waves into the deeper tissue layers, breaking up scar tissue and adhesions in the jaw muscles. It also delivers heat to the affected area, which improves blood circulation in the region.

Microcurrent Therapy. This treatment works by delivering a low electrical current throughout the affected region, which stimulates the production of ATP, an energy molecule, in the TMJ area. As ATP is generated, it relaxes the muscle tissues, releasing any stored lactic acid and thereby reducing any pain in the area.

Low-Level Laser Therapy. With this modality, a low-level laser that does not produce any heat is applied to the affected area. This, again, stimulates the production of ATP, which relaxes the muscle tissues, increases blood flow, and reduces inflammation and pain. In addition, the laser transmits a signal through the nerves in the area to the brain stem, activating a pain-inhibiting response.

To schedule a complimentary consultation with a TMJ specialist to learn more about your TMD treatment options, please contact Headache and TMJ Center of New Jersey by calling (855) 865-3627.