How Does a Dentist Treat TMJ Disorders?
TMJ treatment varies depending on your case. To begin with, the dentist tries lifestyle changes and less-involved treatments before moving forward with extensive treatment options. Your dentist will probably have you eat soft foods, use heat packs on the joint, and try to relax your face. She may teach you jaw muscle-strengthening activities. She also might prescribe medications, such as muscle relaxants, or recommend a mouth guard. Dental guards are often referred to as appliances and are prescribed to help patients reduce the damage caused by the nighttime grinding often associated with TMJ. The appliance should help to reduce muscle spasm, clenching habits, jaw pain, teeth wear and cracked teeth. It’s also possible that the dentist will want to use techniques or dental appliances to fix a misaligned bite.