How Is TMJ Diagnosed?
A TMJ disorder diagnosis often starts at a dental check up. If you or your provider suspects you have TMJ, your provider will perform an exam:
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Listen to and feel your jaw when you open and close your mouth
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Press on your jaw to check for signs of pain or discomfort
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Watch your range of motion as you open and close your mouth
Your provider may suggest further testing if needed:
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Dental X-rays
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MRI to show the soft tissue surrounding your jaw joint
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CT scan to examine the bones in your jaw
A TMJ arthroscopy can help your oral and maxillofacial specialist diagnose your TMJ. An arthroscopy is an advanced, minimally invasive procedure. During an arthroscopy, your provider puts a thin tube with a 1.8 millimeter camera into your jaw space. They show you the camera footage and use it to diagnose your TMJ problems.
Find a TMJ Specialist
TMJ Treatment Types
Treatment for TMJ depends on several factors:
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Your symptoms
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Pain severity
Your TMJ symptoms may go away on their own. If your symptoms worsen, your health care provider will work with you to find a treatment plan that鈥檚 right for you.
Treatment for TMJ includes both surgical and nonsurgical options. Your provider will suggest noninvasive treatment options first.
TMJ Medicine
Over-the-counter medications can help you manage TMJ symptoms:
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Pain relievers like acetaminophen
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Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like ibuprofen
Prescription medication can also treat TMJ:
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Muscle relaxers are a temporary option that can help ease pain or muscle spasms. They can also help you stop clenching or grinding your teeth.
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Antidepressants can sometimes treat TMJ. They work by changing how your body interprets pain. But some antidepressants can make your symptoms worse. Talk to your health care provider about antidepressant medications.
TMJ Therapy
Your provider may suggest physical therapy to stretch and strengthen your jaw muscles. During physical therapy, you will learn different exercises to ease your TMJ symptoms.
Another therapy option includes transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). This method uses low-level electrical currents to relax the muscles in your jaw.
Ultrasound therapy is another treatment option for TMJ. Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to send heat to your tissues. Heat increases blood and relaxes your muscles.
Botox for TMJ
Botox is a prescription medicine. A cosmetic specialist can inject Botox into your jaw muscle to treat your TMJ pain. Botox reduces your jaw pain by blocking nerves in your muscles. The blocked nerves stop your brain from feeling TMJ pain. You may still want to see a specialist to figure out the root cause of your condition, even if Botox relieves your symptoms.
The FDA hasn鈥檛 approved Botox injections to treat TMJ pain, but it鈥檚 still a safe pain management option. Reach out to our facial plastic surgery team about Botox injections for TMJ pain.
TMJ Splint
A TMJ splint is custom device made to stabilize your jaw. You typically wear a splint at night while you sleep and can remove it during the day. A splint looks similar to a night guard or retainer, but it has a different purpose. Your specialist may create a split for you to reduce your TMJ symptoms.
TMJ Surgery
Your provider may suggest surgery if other treatment options haven鈥檛 helped your TMJ symptoms. We offer several different surgical options for TMJ:
TMJ Arthroscopy
TMJ arthroscopy can treat the root of your TMJ issues. During an arthroscopy procedure, your surgeon makes a small cut by your ear. They then insert a thin tube with a small camera on it into your joint space. The camera allows your surgeon to get a clear diagnosis of your TMJ dysfunction. Your surgeon uses small surgical instruments to reshape bone. They may reposition the disk in your joint or remove scar tissue.
Arthrocentesis
Arthrocentesis is a minimally invasive procedure. Your surgeon inserts small needles into your jaw joint during anthrocentesis. The needles remove built up fluid in your jaw.
Modified Condylotomy
Modified condylotomy is a procedure on your jaw but not your jaw joint. It can help with jaw locking or pain.
Open-Joint Surgery
Open-joint surgery requires your surgeon to make a long incision to reach your jaw joint. During open-joint surgery, your surgeon repairs your joint. In some cases, they may replace your jaw joint.
TMJ Surgery Scar
Most surgical procedures for TMJ disorders leave little to no scarring.
Why Choose U of U Health?
麻豆学生精品版 offers the Mountain West鈥檚 most comprehensive TMJ care. Our experts use the latest technology to identify the cause of your symptoms and develop personalized treatment plans. We鈥檙e the first and only clinic in the Mountain West to provide TMJ arthroscopy. Our specialists are also some of the only in the region to specialize in the arthrocentesis procedure.
We prioritize comfort, accuracy, and minimally invasive care whenever possible. If you feel anxious about dental work or surgery, we鈥檒l work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your needs. You can trust that we have the resources and skills to treat your TMJ condition.
How to Make an Appointment
Please consult with your dentist or physician before you make an appointment with our oral and maxillofacial surgery team. You must have a referral before you can schedule. Call 801-213-6575 with questions.
