TMJ Disorder Treatment in Milwaukee WI

If left unchecked, TMJ disorder can adversely affect your quality of life, which is why this condition's treatment is vital to your health. There are different options depending on how the TMJ disorder manifests. At Community Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we begin with a complete assessment to determine the source of your pain and the right treatment options for you.

Self-Managed Care Regimen: Usually, the best course of action is a simple self-managed care routine. Adequate rest, the use of heat or cold, and avoiding hard foods are among the more common ways a patient can manage their TMJ disorder at home. Dr. Ruba Khader and her team can advise patients on other ways to handle the symptoms of mild cases of TMJ disorder.

Medication: Because inflammation is one of the primary causes of TMJ disorder, doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to help alleviate the symptoms. Muscle relaxers can also play a role in treatment if you experience myofascial spasms and the inability to properly open or close your jaw due to the muscle locking up. Other pain medications may be considered only after a consultation with your primary care physician or a pain management specialist.

Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help rehabilitate the muscles around the joint. These exercises are intended to alleviate pain, decrease inflammation, promote joint mobility, and improve your head posture for optimal jaw positioning.

Surgical Intervention: In rare cases, oral surgery may be considered for treating TMJ disorder. The primary methods of surgical intervention are arthroscopy and arthrocentesis, where the joint cavity is washed with a sterile saline solution to reduce inflammation. In situations where the physical condition of the patient's joints has deteriorated, the doctor may need to replace the joint with a custom-made prosthesis.

Botox therapy treats TMJ disorder by assisting with muscle relaxation. When injected into the muscles of mastication (or chewing muscles), Botox temporarily blocks the neurotransmitters that control those muscles. Once it takes full effect, it relieves the tension in the muscles around the joint. 

Patients who struggle with headaches related to their TMD, constant tension in the mouth, and pain in some of these muscle groups, benefit considerably from this treatment.

TMJ disorders can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, extending beyond mere discomfort to affect various aspects of daily functioning. Chronic pain in the jaw, face, and head can become debilitating, making simple tasks such as eating, speaking, and sleeping challenging. Additionally, limited jaw mobility and function may restrict dietary choices, potentially leading to nutritional deficiencies and associated health issues. Dental problems, including malocclusion and teeth grinding, often accompany TMJ disorders, increasing the risk of tooth damage and gum problems. Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia and daytime fatigue, are common due to TMJ-related pain and discomfort, further exacerbating the individual's overall well-being. Moreover, the emotional toll of living with chronic pain can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression, impacting mental health and social interactions. In severe cases, untreated TMJ disorders may cause irreversible damage to the temporomandibular joint, resulting in long-term functional impairment and decreased quality of life. It's crucial to recognize the systemic effects of TMJ disorders and seek timely treatment to mitigate these risks and improve overall health outcomes.

Simple lifestyle changes can help manage TMJ disorders effectively:

Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
Diet: Choose soft foods and avoid hard, chewy items.
Posture: Maintain good posture to reduce jaw strain.
Oral Habits: Avoid habits like gum chewing or teeth grinding.
Hydration: Stay hydrated to keep joints lubricated.
Sleep Environment: Ensure a comfortable sleep setup.
Regular Exercise: Engage in low-impact activities.
Relaxation Techniques: Use hot/cold therapy or gentle jaw exercises.

Various factors increase the risk of TMJ disorders:

Genetics: Family history of TMJ issues.
Gender: Females are more susceptible.
Age: Prevalence increases with age.
Bruxism: Habitual teeth grinding.
Malocclusion: Dental misalignment.
Trauma: Previous head or jaw injuries.
Chronic Stress: Prolonged psychological stress.
Poor Posture: Incorrect neck and jaw posture.
Chewing Habits: Excessive gum chewing or biting.
Joint Mobility: Imbalances in joint range of motion.

Identifying and addressing these risk factors early can prevent or mitigate TMJ issues, enhancing overall jaw health and well-being.