Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Treatment

There are a variety of treatments available for TMJ disorders, ranging from pain medications and relaxation techniques to splints and surgery. Depending on the severity and type of your problem, your doctor will select which treatment is most effective for you. Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons offer a variety of surgical and non-surgical therapies. A physical therapist also is available on-site to provide physical therapy services designed for patients suffering from TMJ. In addition, patients have access to our Center for Orofacial Pain, which specializes in the treatment of conditions that cause orofacial pain, such as TMJ.

Treatments provided by our oral and maxillofacial surgeons include:

• Splints -- Splints, also called mouth guards, are used to treat teeth grinding, clenching and TMJ disorders. They are made of plastic and either fit over your upper or lower teeth. While splints are successful for some people, others may find that they increase pain or become ineffective after a period of time. If this is the case, you should stop wearing it.

• Surgery -- In severe cases and if non-surgical therapies have not worked, surgery may be recommended. Surgery may involve repairing damaged tissue or joints, during a procedure known as arthroscopy.

Treatments provided at our Center for Orofacial Pain include:

• Pain management therapies
• Acupuncture
• Relaxation techniques
• Biofeedback

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007