Therapy

Since the development of temporomandibular joint pain can have many causes, the therapy is largely dependent on the diagnosis made by the dentist. If the temporomandibular joint pain is demonstrably provoked by worn or incorrectly fitted dentures, it is essential to replace or improve them as quickly as possible. In the case of inflammatory temporomandibular joint pain, the source of which is inflammation of the muscles or the joints themselves, both pain-relieving (analgesics) and anti-inflammatory (anti-inflammatory) drugs can be taken.

If strong tensions occur in the course of the inflammatory processes, these can be treated by specific massages and relaxation exercises. In addition, orthodontic treatment can be useful for patients whose temporomandibular joint pain is caused by asymmetries in the position of their teeth or by crowded teeth. Patients who tend to grind their teeth (bruxism) in stressful life situations, or who bite their jaws violently against each other, can usually be helped by making and regularly wearing a bite splint.

This measure serves primarily to prevent further tooth abrasion. In addition, the jaw bones in the joint are also more relaxed when the bite splint is worn. The result is a quick reduction of the jaw joint pain.

The therapy for temporomandibular joint pain includes many methods. First of all, the first thing to do when it first occurs is to remain calm and consider whether a certain event may be related to the pain. This could be previous dental treatments, accidents (fall or impact), colds, bad lying positions while sleeping or similar.

Protection of the joint often already has the desired effect, but only treats the symptoms. It is important that the cause of the problem is found and eliminated. Otherwise it can happen that the temporomandibular joint pain reoccurs after a short time.

Hard or tough food should be avoided during this time, as it puts a lot of strain on the joint. Moderate stress is often perceived as alleviating. Muscle exercises such as opening and closing the mouth in a straight line, self-massage or a slight stretching can loosen the tense muscles.

Care should be taken to avoid opening or stretching too much if the symptoms are unclear. This could lead to a lockjaw. Jaw problems are often accompanied by stress at work or at home.

This promotes teeth grinding or clenching and a permanently tense musculature. Stress reduction by means of yoga, autogenic training or targeted relaxation of the respective muscle groups (Progressive Muscle Relaxation according to Jacobson) can prevent this. Prone or lateral position while sleeping causes one-sided pressure on the temporomandibular joint, which can lead to temporomandibular joint pain.

The back sleeping position has therefore proven to be a good choice for treating complaints. If the pain is acute, the short-term use of an analgesic can be useful. In general, however, it can be said that a visit to the dentist is highly recommended if the pain lasts longer.The temporomandibular joint is part of a complex system in the body, which can also be responsible for complaints in the neck and spine.

It deserves professional treatment by an expert physician who is familiar with all therapeutic options. For example, he can fit individually manufactured occlusal splints. These splints can compensate for a poorly adjusted bite and thus prevent pain.

Occlusion splint Physiotherapy can also be prescribed by the doctor. This alleviates or even completely eliminates muscular complaints that radiate to the temporomandibular joint. In some cases, psychosomatic treatment can also be successful.

This includes occupational therapy, music therapy or body therapy. Surgical therapy is a last resort. It can only be used in particularly severe cases.

The dentist will refer the patient to a specialist for this purpose, and it is imperative that the pros and cons be carefully weighed before the procedure. Innovative therapy approaches work with Botox and ensure a forced relaxation by specifically switching off the muscle activity of masticatory muscles. This muscle relaxation can also be achieved with special drugs, although these are only available on prescription.

In the case of severe acute pain, the patient has the option of using painkillers such as ibuprofen. However, if the patient is self-medicating, the maximum dose stated on the package insert should never be exceeded. To ensure that the medication is taken safely, it is advisable to consult with the doctor treating the patient.

The doctor can also determine what is appropriate for the individual case. Simple relaxation exercises can have enormous effects on many complaints in the area of the temporomandibular joint. If these exercises are performed regularly, not only do they relax the muscles of the temporomandibular joint, but they also seem to have a good effect on the neck and cervical muscles.

Exercise 1: Targeted, deep inhalation and exhalation: During this exercise, the hands should be placed relaxed on the abdomen while breathing slowly and as deeply as possible into the abdomen. After about three to four breaths, the head is gently pulled to the right side and stretched carefully. After further breaths the head should be changed to the left side.

In order to achieve relaxation of the chewing, neck and throat muscles with the help of this exercise, care should be taken not to raise the shoulders but to let them hang loosely. Exercise 2: Relaxation of the chewing muscles and the temporomandibular joint: During this exercise, the patient must bend his head slightly forward and place the fingertips of his hands on the right and left side of the temporomandibular joints. As soon as the temporomandibular joint can be felt under the fingertips, the fingers are correctly positioned.

This is followed by 3 to 4 calm and deep breaths, while breathing in through the nose and breathing out through the mouth. If performed correctly, the chewing muscles relax noticeably during this exercise. Exercise 3: Masticatory muscles: Another exercise that specifically relaxes the masticatory muscles can easily be performed alongside everyday tasks.

Patients who suffer from incorrect loading of the temporomandibular joints should make sure to place the tip of the tongue loosely behind the front teeth of the upper jaw several times a day. In doing so, the lower jaw sinks slightly and this is followed by a relaxation of the chewing muscles. Exercise 4: The chewing muscles are trained by pressing one hand against the chin and moving the chin forward against this resistance.

This tension should be held for 10 seconds. In addition, the hand can also be pressed against the cheek and the lower jaw pushed sideways against it to train all existing chewing muscle groups. Repeating several times a day can strengthen the muscles in the long term.

There are homeopathic preparations that can alleviate the accompanying symptoms of temporomandibular joint complaints, but they cannot eliminate the origin of the problem, as this cannot be achieved with globules. If the temporomandibular joint complaints are based on grinding, the preparation Cina D6 can help. Cuprum metallicum D12 can also provide additional relief from sleep deprivation and fatigue.

Further globules such as Zincum metallicum D12 and Podophyllum D6 can also reduce temporomandibular joint complaints in the long term and strengthen the immune system. The exact dosage should be discussed with the treating dentist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon in order not to reduce the success of conservative or surgical therapy by the doctor. Self-medication is not recommended.

In general, the dentist treats temporomandibular joint complaints.However, the latter is only able to treat the pain conservatively through splint therapy or physiotherapy. If surgery is necessary, the patient is referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Surgical interventions include, for example, punctures of the joint, levelling of the joint surfaces and arthroscopy.