Orthopedic TMJ Treatment
TMJ disorders are fundamentally musculoskeletal conditions involving bones, joints, cartilage, and the muscles that move them.
Orthopedic TMJ treatment addresses the jaw system the same way a sports medicine doctor or physiotherapist might approach
a knee or shoulder injury: by understanding the underlying structural problem and using the right type of appliance or
intervention to support healing and restore healthy function.
Different patients need different approaches depending on the state of their joints, the condition of their bite, and how
far the disorder has progressed. There is no single appliance that works for everyone. The type of treatment that is most
appropriate is determined by a thorough diagnostic examination.
Dr. Yolanda Cruz is a general dentist. Orthopedic TMJ treatment is provided within the scope of general dentistry.
The general goals of orthopedic TMJ treatment are:
- To reduce or eliminate inflammation in the jaw joint by protecting it from the forces that have been aggravating it
- To allow the damaged tissues within the joint to heal
- To stabilize the bite and jaw position so that the problem does not return
- To support healthy jaw function over the long term through ongoing wear of an appropriate oral appliance
Most patients wear their appliance primarily during sleep. This is when the jaw muscles naturally undergo their most intense
activity grinding and clenching and when the jaw joint is most vulnerable to ongoing irritation. Protecting the joint during
sleep allows it to heal during the day.