Non-surgical TMJ therapies for treating TMJ pain

TMJ disorder can cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild aches, popping, and grinding to severe pain and a locked jaw. Many patients are hesitant to ask their dentist about TMJ treatment options because they don’t want to undergo surgery. However, the reality is that there are many effective non-surgical TMJ treatment options available! At TMJ & Sleep Therapy of Utah, we work with patients to identify the cause of their symptoms and use a conservative treatment approach to help find relief from pain, with surgery as a last resort.

Non-surgical TMJ therapies

Many different underlying causes can contribute to inflammation and pain in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs). So, it is essential to identify the specific reason for your pain to develop an appropriate treatment plan. For example, some patients experience TMJ pain due to misalignment in their jaw, which puts extra stress on the joints every time the jaw bites down. In other cases, TMJ pain may be due to clenching and grinding (bruxism) or non-optimal orofacial habits. Depending on the cause for your pain, Dr. Cheyn Gunnerson may recommend one or more of the following conservative treatment options:

• Small lifestyle changes such as avoiding chewing gum and eating hard foods, working on proper posture, and stress reduction techniques
• Oral Orthotic Therapy to realign the jaw into its proper place and reduce inflammation
• Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy to encourage optimal use of the facial and throat muscles
• Cold Laser Therapy to reduce inflammation and symptoms of TMJ disorder such as headaches, jaw pain and craniofacial pain

TMJ relief is within reach

If your quality of life is suffering due to TMJ disorder, you are not alone. The team at TMJ & Sleep Therapy of Utah is here to help with compassionate, personalized care. To schedule your consultation and learn about the TMJ treatment options that are right for you, call our Payson, UT office today at (801) 877-1126 or book your appointment online.

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