Your dentist has diagnosed you with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).
Facts About TMD Diagnosis & Treatment
- TMD is very common in all age groups. It may be attributed to discrepancies in your bite, grinding or clenching teeth, arthritis, joint degeneration, or anatomic discrepancies.
- In most cases, TMD can be treated with simple non-surgical intervention. This is accomplished with anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxers, and splint therapy.
- Splint therapy involves fabricating a mouthpiece that supports the joint and relieves stresses.
Treatment will involve:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs: Ibuprofen, Aleve, or Aspirin in prescription or over the counter form.
- Muscle relaxers (Benzodiazepines): Valium, Ativan, etc.
- Splint Therapy: A bite splint to be worn as directed.
Most cases are successfully treated with non-surgical intervention. Unfortunately, there are a minority of cases that require further treatment and possible surgical intervention. Radiographic evaluation and results of non-surgical treatment will dictate the need for surgical intervention.
Please contact our dental office if you have any further questions about your treatment.
