Treatment of TMJ dysfunction is dependent upon the nature and severity of the condition.  It should ALWAYS be first treated very conservatively.  Surgery should rarely be recommended and NEVER be performed unless the conservative techniques were unsuccessful. 

Treatment for TMJ problems varies from simple measures to extensive therapy. At times, the most important treatment is what you do for yourself. Physical therapy, exercises, nutrition therapy and the use of stress reduction techniques often provide extensive benefit. We may choose to start treatment with some of these approaches or use them in combination with a more traditional treatment plan.

The most common treatment is the repositioning appliance, or splint, which is used to change a patient's occlusion (bite) and jaw posture and help the TMJ relax, heal as much as possible, and function correctly.

Physiotherapy modalities are often required to return the muscles to normal comfort and function. These might include moist heat, ultra-sound, transcutaneous electro-neural stimulation (TENS), electro-galvanic stimulation (EGS) or iontophoresis.

If these conservative treatments are not sufficient, we may recommend evaluation by other practitioners. An orderly, step-by-step evaluation and treatment plan is established to provide the most effective care for you.