The goals of treatment for TMD syndrome include:
Most doctors feel strongly that good, careful treatment for TMD should only include techniques that are simple and potentially reversible. Although a variety of treatments have been touted for TMD treatment, most doctors feel the more extreme, complex treatments have not proven helpful in the long term. They also note that some of these treatments, such as surgery, can have long-term negative effects.
Treatment may involve the following:
Surgery is rarely recommended for TMD. If you are advised to have surgery, get a second opinion. If surgery is recommended, carefully research its benefits.
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TMJ. American Dental Association Mouth Healthy website. Available at: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/tmj.aspx. Accessed April 5, 2013.
TMJ (temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders). National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research website. Available at: http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/TMJ. Updated March 21, 2013. Accessed April 5, 2013.
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Last reviewed February 2013 by Peter Lucas, MD; Brian Randall, MD
Last Updated: 4/5/2013