Before treatment of temporomandibular joint disorder can begin, a diagnosis from your dentist in Atlanta is needed. If you are searching for a treatment for TMD, then you probably already have been diagnosed with this condition. Dr. Mayoor Patel at Craniofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Center of Georgia can work with you to provide proper treatment planning for TMD.

Treatment options will vary from patient to patient, but Dr. Patel will work closely with you to determine the best options. One factor to look into is the severity of TMD and how it might affect your treatment options. To help, let’s take a look at a few common treatment plans for TMD that might help.

Oral appliance therapy (OAT). This is a very helpful and successful treatment option for TMD. OATs are extremely popular among TMD patients because of their simplicity and comfort. Patients often describe oral appliances as being similar to retainers for orthodontic treatments.

Oral appliances are made to fit your mouth and your mouth only. This means they are completely unique to you. Some of these devices are used to move the lower jaw forward, while others will be used to prevent the tongue from falling backward, causing  a block in the airway.  Oral appliances can even be used in the treatment of sleep apnea.

TMD splints. Another popular option for treatment of TMD is a splint, which is used to prevent  the upper and lower teeth from touching. These are typically worn at night to avoid any teeth clenching or grinding which would result in pain the next morning. Wearing these splints will enable your jaw muscles and joints to relax and heal, relieving you from any pain.

Medications. For less severe cases, over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs would work just as well. The most typical medicine prescribed for TMD is muscle relaxants due to their ability to help loosen tight muscles. This is especially popular for those who grind or clench their teeth. With any situation, it is important to speak with your doctor about which direction is best for you.

After reviewing the available options for treatment of TMD, Dr. Patel will help you choose the best option that meets your individual needs. With a proper TMD treatment planned out, you will be on the road to living a pain free, happy life once again.