TMJ Treatment Options: Relieving Pain and Restoring Function

What Causes TMJ Disorders?

Before we get into treatments, let’s talk about the root of the problem. TMJ disorders (also called TMD) can stem from a variety of factors. Sometimes it’s one issue, and sometimes it’s a combination.

Common causes include:

• Teeth grinding or clenching (often during sleep)
• Jaw misalignment or bite issues
• Arthritis or joint inflammation
• Injury or trauma to the jaw or face
• Stress and muscle tension

Symptoms can range from mild jaw clicking to severe pain and limited jaw movement. For some people, it’s an occasional nuisance. For others, it’s a daily disruption.

Now let’s dive into how to treat it.

At-Home TMJ Relief Strategies

If your TMJ pain is relatively new or mild, there are a few things you can try at home to ease symptoms.

Start with these conservative steps:

• Use a cold or warm compress on the side of your face for 15–20 minutes at a time
• Eat soft foods that don’t require much chewing (think soups, smoothies, and scrambled eggs)
• Avoid chewing gum or biting hard foods like nuts, ice, or crusty bread
• Practice stress-reducing habits like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle stretching

These methods won’t solve every case of TMJ disorder, but they can help reduce inflammation and give your jaw muscles a break.

Oral Appliances for TMJ Relief

One of the most common (and effective) TMJ treatment options is the use of a custom oral appliance, also called a splint or nightguard.

These are designed to:

• Prevent teeth grinding while you sleep
• Reduce pressure on the jaw joint
• Encourage jaw muscle relaxation

There are several types, depending on your symptoms. Some cover only your upper teeth, while others support both arches. At Ecologic Dentistry, we custom-fit these appliances using a digital scan to ensure comfort and accuracy.

Wearing a nightguard consistently can significantly reduce pain over time and even prevent further damage to your teeth and joints.

Physical Therapy for TMJ

TMJ pain isn’t just a dental issue—it’s a muscular one too. That’s why physical therapy is a powerful tool for many patients.

A TMJ-focused therapist may use:

• Jaw exercises to improve mobility and strength
• Manual therapy to relax tight facial and neck muscles
• Posture training to relieve tension that travels to the jaw

Some people see noticeable improvement after just a few sessions. Others benefit from a longer course of care.

We often collaborate with trusted physical therapists to create a well-rounded treatment plan. It’s all about teamwork.

Medications and Injections

For moderate to severe pain, medications can help you get through the worst of it while other treatments begin to work.

Your dentist or doctor might recommend:

• Anti-inflammatory meds like ibuprofen
• Muscle relaxers to reduce jaw tension
• Corticosteroid injections to calm severe inflammation

Injections are usually reserved for persistent symptoms that don’t respond to conservative care. We’ll always walk through the pros and cons before moving forward.

Orthodontic or Bite Correction

Sometimes TMJ issues are tied directly to how your teeth come together. If your bite is off or your teeth are misaligned, it can put constant stress on the jaw joint.

Corrective treatment options may include:

• Orthodontics (like Invisalign)
• Dental restorations to adjust bite surfaces
• Full-mouth reconstruction in complex cases

This is more common in long-term or severe cases—but it can make a huge difference when nothing else seems to work.

Surgical TMJ Treatment (When Needed)

Surgery is very rarely needed for TMJ disorders—but in extreme cases, it may be considered.

TMJ surgery may be an option if:

• The joint is physically damaged or degenerated
• You’ve tried all conservative treatments with no relief
• MRI imaging shows structural issues in the joint

Procedures can range from arthrocentesis (flushing out the joint) to more invasive jaw surgery.

We typically refer patients to oral surgeons who specialize in TMJ cases. Rest assured, surgery is always the last resort—not the starting point.

Holistic Approaches to TMJ Treatment

At Ecologic Dentistry, we’re passionate about treating the whole person—not just the symptoms.

Our approach may include:

• Stress management coaching
• Nutritional support to reduce inflammation
• Breathing exercises and tongue posture training

We believe in combining traditional methods with holistic support to give your body the best chance at long-term relief.

What’s the Best TMJ Treatment for You?

Every patient is different. What works for one person may not work for another.

That’s why Dr. Yamashiro starts with a detailed consultation to learn about your symptoms, habits, medical history, and lifestyle. From there, we design a treatment plan that makes sense for your needs.

Whether you’re in mild discomfort or feeling desperate for relief, we’re here to help.

Call Ecologic Dentistry today to schedule your TMJ evaluation. Let’s start turning things around—together.

Questions We Hear Often