Treatment of TMJ disorders
 Proper diagnosis is critical to make sure you
receive treatment for your particular condition. At The TMJ Treatment Center of Southern Colorado we will only
recommend treatment after conducting a thorough health history, clinical
exam, taking appropriate X-rays, and perhaps confirming the condition
through other diagnostic tests.
At The TMJ Treatment Center of Southern Colorado we may prescribe a multiple-phase treatment plan. Treatment may be simple or require
more steps for alleviating the condition, depending on the degree of
severity. Some of these treatments include:
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Step 1: Finding the bite
A complete neuromuscular workup to find the symptoms, causes and
degree of severity. This is followed with TENSing and
plastic orthotic. |
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Step 2: Stabilizing the bite
This procedure finds the physiologic position (zone of
neutrality) of the muscles and joints. This is the true
starting point for long term, comfortable health. This
position of the lower jaw is stabilized until the pain and
discomfort disappear. In most cases pain and other
symptoms are received quickly. |
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Step 3:Finishing the bite
Most patients are so happy to be comfortable again that they
move on to permanent stabilization. This can include one
or any combination of: reshaping of teeth, orthodontics, move
teeth to new position, restoring of teeth to this new position. |
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Taking a non-aspirin pain reliever or
prescription medications such as muscle relaxants, analgesics,
or anti-inflammatory drugs |
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Eating soft foods |
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Avoiding chewing gum |
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Applying moist heat or ice |
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Physical therapy |
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Teaching relaxation techniques to control
muscle tension |
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Stress management training techniques |
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Posture training |
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Wearing bite plates to eliminate the harmful
effects of clenching or grinding the teeth, and a better positioning
of the jaws |
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Adjusting the bite, known as "occlusal
equilibration" involving removing interferences when the teeth touch |
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Replacement of defective restorations that
prevent the jaws from meeting properly |
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Orthodontics, to put the teeth in proper
position |
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Surgery |
In most cases we treat at The TMJ Treatment Center of Southern Colorado, the symptoms related to
TMJ
disorders can be successfully treated to reduce or eliminate your
discomfort. Postponement of treatment usually results in more damage to
the joint, muscles, or teeth.
For more information about how we can help you with TMJ problems, call us
at (888) 679-9750, we will be happy to help you.
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