Temporomandibular joint disorders are common and can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. The major causes of these disorders include injury, arthritis, infections, and chronic stress. TMJ treatment in Los Gatos should be started as soon as possible to prevent stiffness in the joints and increased pain. While many different treatments are available, some of the most common treatments include recommendations for physical therapy and prescription medications.
Here we will look into the most common treatments for TMJ disorders available in Los Gatos.
- Oral appliance therapy
This is one of the most widely used treatments for TMJ disorders. An oral appliance is a custom-made mouthguard that is worn over the teeth at night. Although these mouth guards are usually made within days, they can take weeks to adjust and be comfortable enough to wear at night while sleeping. The main benefit of these mouthguards is the comfort they provide while resting at night. They also work well in relieving pain when chewing or talking and are very easy to use and maintain.
- Orthodontic intervention
When an orthodontist is consulted for TMJ treatment in Los Gatos, they will usually recommend modifying the patient’s bite and jaw alignment. This treatment commonly works by strengthening the muscles around the joints, keeping them in the correct position. For instance, an orthodontic appliance can be fitted to ensure that your teeth are not touching and can cause pain in your joint. These appliances are made using a combination of metal wires and tooth contours. They work by keeping the jaw correctly positioned while working properly with surrounding muscles in order to reduce pain and discomfort. For best results, orthodontic treatment should be commenced soon after signs of TMJ disorders appear.
- Full mouth rehabilitation
When TMJ treatment in Los Gatos is carried out as part of full mouth rehabilitation, all the teeth will be examined and assessed to determine if they are causing you pain or discomfort. If your teeth are not contributing to your joint problems, they will not be altered. However, orthodontic treatment may be recommended if your bite is altered due to faulty teeth alignment or overcrowding of the upper or lower jaw.
- Surgery
Surgery is one of the last treatments recommended for TMJ therapy in Los Gatos as it involves an invasive process. Surgery may be recommended if the pain you feel cannot be relieved with oral or non-oral medication. In this case, the surgeon will manipulate your teeth and bones to give you a more comfortable bite. If the TMJ is damaged due to facial trauma, broken bones, or congenital conditions, surgery may be necessary to repair it sufficiently.