Are You Dealing With Jaw Pain?

Are you dealing with jaw pain? TMJ disorders (also called temporomandibular disorders) can cause pain and compromised movement of the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles. TMJ is treatable by medical professionals. Frechtman Family Dental of Edison, which is located in Edison, NJ, offers the best treatments for TMJ disorders. Dr. Saul Frechtman and Dr. David Frechtman are some of the dentists in Edison, NJ.

1. Medication

Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications are used to relieve the pain associated with TMJ disorders. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen or ibuprofen are a mainstay of treatment.

2. Occlusal Appliances

Mouth guards and oral splints (occlusal appliances) are used for treating TMJ disorders. Mouth guards are coverings worn over teeth. They're used to protect the teeth from grinding at night. This can help alleviate muscle tension at night and relieve TMJ pain. Oral splints are removable appliances that fit over the teeth. Oral splints are designed to relax the muscles that control your jaw, relieve pain, and protect your teeth from further wear.

3. Cortisone Injections

Steroid injections, also called cortisone injections, are used to relieve pain associated with TMJ disorders. The injections usually comprise a local anesthetic and corticosteroid medication. The cortisone starts working in a few days and its effect can last up to a few months. You can get steroid injections at your doctor's office.

4. TMJ Exercises

TMJ exercise may relieve your pain. Your dentist may show you show to do exercises that stretch and strengthen your jaw muscles and how to massage the muscles yourself. It’s unclear exactly how TMJ exercises relieve pain. They're thought to help strengthen jaw muscles, increase jaw mobility, reduce jaw clicking, and promote jaw healing. 

5. Surgical Procedures

In some cases, TMJ symptoms will be severe enough that you’ll need to undergo TMJ surgery. A few oral and maxillofacial surgery options are available. TMJ surgery is only recommended when less invasive treatments have failed. Surgery is performed to restore jaw function and relieve pain. 

Jaw pain hurts, but you don't have to suffer. Don't wait another minute- call Frechtman Family Dental of Edison at 732-548-8600 today to schedule a dental consultation in Edison, NJ. Get your life back on track by receiving the best TMJ treatment available.