Temporomandibular Joint Disorders - Medications

The minor discomfort of TMJ can be treated with pain relievers such as aspirin or acetaminophen. Muscle relaxants may help if the condition is caused by muscle tension. Instances when TMJ is caused by arthritis can be treated with corticosteroids, methotrexate, gold sodium, or other anti-arthritic medications.

Physical Therapy and Mechanical Devices

Some patients experience serious problems with clenching and grinding of their teeth at night. For these patients a plastic splint called a nightguard can be prescribed. The nightguard is placed over the teeth before going to bed. Splints can also be used to hold the jaw and disc in place when these factors are responsible for the disorder.

TMJ can also be treated by a variety of other techniques, such as ultrasound, biofeedback, stretching exercises, electrical nerve stimulation, stress management techniques, or massage.

Surgery

Surgery can be used to place the temporomandibular joint back into its correct position. This approach is used almost exclusively in cases of TMJ caused by birth deformities or internal derangement.