TMJ disorder is not a pleasant condition and can cause pain and discomfort. Although there are many contributing factors to TMJ disorder, there are different treatment options to correct and treat it, including medications. Sometimes symptoms of TMJ disorders disappear without treatment, but if they do not, you may get prescriptions to relieve the condition.
Patients need to confirm with their healthcare provider before starting any medication, even if it is over-the-counter. Some medications have side effects such as weight gain or drowsiness, and some may interfere with any other medication the patient is using.
The dentist will probably have the patient try an over-the-counter medication before prescribing a drug. If the over-the-counter meds are not effective enough to alleviate jaw pain and other symptoms of TMJ disorder, the doctor will recommend a more powerful medication to ease the condition.
Acetaminophen can help relieve jaw pain momentarily, but it does not treat inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective for controlling both inflammation and jaw pain in TMJ temporarily. A type of NSAID drug is ibuprofen. Anti-inflammatory drugs are usually recommended to relieve pain and swelling if the inflammation of the TMJ is causing soreness.
Muscle relaxants may be used sometimes to relieve jaw pain and discomfort caused by a TMJ disorder. They function by relaxing the muscles in the face and jaw, and they help reduce muscle spasms. Since muscle relaxants are powerful drugs, patients will usually only have to take them for some days or a few weeks at a time. Diazepam is an example of a muscle relaxant used for treating the condition.
Tricyclic antidepressants can help alleviate discomfort caused by TMJ disorder. Patients do not need to have a history of depression to get an antidepressant. These drugs act by altering how the body perceives pain. An example of a tricyclic antidepressant is amitriptyline.
Corticosteroids may be recommended in case of severe jaw pain and inflammation. However, they are hardly ever used for treating TMJ disorders. If the patient needs them, the corticosteroid will be injected into the joint to provide substantial relief temporarily. An example of a corticosteroid is triamcinolone.
Botulinum toxin, or Botox, is another option for treating pain related to TMJ. Many experts believe injecting a small dose of Botox into the jaw muscles can relieve symptoms of the condition.
It is important to follow the recommendations for prescription drugs to prevent unwanted side effects. Patients need to inform their dentist immediately if they notice any adverse side effects. They may adjust the current drug or recommend alternative medications.
The medications to use for managing TMJ disorder depend on the severity of the symptoms. Consult a dentist to know the appropriate medication for you. Also, be aware that medications are not a cure for TMJ disorder, but they can remarkably relieve the pain and discomfort associated with this condition.
Request an appointment here: https://flossophydentalboutique.com or call Flossophy Dental Boutique at (248) 847-3828 for an appointment in our West Bloomfield Township office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: TMJ Dentist in West Bloomfield Township, MI.
TMJ disorder can cause an immense amount of pain and serious dysfunction in the jaw and facial region. It is necessary to see a general dentist for TMJ disorder treatment options. General dentists undergo extensive training that prepares them to properly diagnose and treat TMJ. Thinking only a medical professional can treat TMJ? In fact, dental…
TMJ disorder is an issue that affects many Americans each year. It leads to jaw pain, limited jaw movement and other symptoms. Dentists can diagnose, treat and prevent TMJ disorder through a variety of methods. It is helpful to understand how the diagnostic and treatment process works for TMJ to determine if you should visit…
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint, which is located in the jaw region of the face. When the joint malfunctions, individuals suffer from TMJ disorder. TMJ disorder can lead to pain and difficulty with eating, speaking and even smiling. Individuals suffering from TMJ disorder are often curious about treatment options from a general dentist.Many are surprised…
A dental bridge is an oral prosthetic that closes the space left by multiple missing teeth. It has two main components: artificial teeth called pontics and crowns (abutments) placed on the two teeth closest to the space on both sides. The artificial teeth can be made from various materials like gold, silver, and other metals,…
A dental bridge is an oral prosthetic that closes the space left by multiple missing teeth. It has two main components: artificial teeth called pontics and crowns (abutments) placed on the two teeth closest to the space on both sides. The artificial teeth can be made from various materials like gold, silver, and other metals,…
You should not book a dental check-up only when there is an oral issue that requires treatment. Many people believe that brushing their teeth and flossing should be enough to keep their teeth in good condition. However, simply brushing your teeth is not enough to keep your teeth free of debris that may cause issues…