As TMJD becomes increasingly common, the need for treatment is in high demand. While medical advancements and new treatments are always becoming available, tried-and-true methods are still effective for many patients. Ultimately, the goal is to provide relief from the pain that plagues those who have TMJD. Here’s the latest in the world of TMJD treatments.
Understanding TMJ/TMD Treatment
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), commonly referred to as TMJ, affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. It causes symptoms such as jaw pain, difficulty chewing, headaches, and ear pain. Effective treatment requires an understanding of the condition and the use of advanced therapies.
The Latest in TMJD Treatments
Advanced Diagnostic and Treatment Technologies
Advancements in technology continue to improve treatment options for TMJD. Incorporating the latest technologies into practice allows for better diagnosis and targeted treatment plans.
Dr. Alexandra and the Pittsburgh Dentist team utilize Tekscan technology. This advanced technology allows us to precisely identify the bite forces contributing to your TMJ symptoms. T-Scan helps us tailor a treatment plan to relieve pain from myofascial issues, headaches, and even earaches by pinpointing early interferences in your bite.
With T-Scan, you’ll better understand how occlusal imbalances might be causing your discomfort, and it empowers you to commit to a treatment plan that addresses the root of the problem. The technology also enables us as your dental team to quickly and effectively eliminate destructive forces, reduce tooth mobility, and fit orthotic appliances accurately, often in just one appointment. This means faster relief and significantly reducing the symptoms affecting your daily life.
We also offer The K7 Evaluation System, a cutting-edge technology that combines three advanced methods—tracking, electromyography, and joint sonography—to measure, display, and store detailed data about your jaw’s anatomy and function. This system enhances Dr. Alexandra’s ability to accurately diagnose and treat TMJ disorders by providing a comprehensive view of your jaw’s condition. With the insights gained from the K7 Evaluation System, our team can precisely determine the optimal position for your jaw, offering a more effective and personalized treatment plan.
3D Imaging and CBCT
Three-dimensional imaging and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has revolutionized the treatment of TMJD. These imaging techniques provide a comprehensive view of the temporomandibular joint and surrounding structures. High-quality images allow dentists to assess the condition accurately, identify underlying issues, and develop targeted treatment plans.
Laser Therapy
Laser technology has paved the way for precise and efficient TMJD treatment. Dental lasers can alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue regeneration in the jaw joint area. Laser therapy is gentle and minimally invasive and allows for quicker healing and recovery times.
Orthotic Appliances
An orthotic appliance is a semi-permanent solution to treating the pain and discomfort in your jaw. Orthotics are designed to adjust the lower jaw into its proper neuromuscular position, alleviating the pain caused by the TMJD symptoms. Orthotics are considered “semi-permanent” as they can be removed at the patient’s convenience but can also be worn for up to 24 hours a day.
Crowns
Crowns are an excellent solution for treating TMJ once the pain is eliminated. They can permanently keep teeth in a pain-free position. Patients with a history of grinding their teeth are excellent candidates for crowns, as they can help restore tooth structure while offering a beautiful new smile!
Braces
Our braces treat how the jaw should function as opposed to just treating how the teeth look. Our braces treatment will remodel your jaw and adjust your teeth, offering a permanent and effective treatment for your TMJ symptoms.
Criticisms of Current TMJ Syndrome Treatments
Although TMJ syndrome treatments can be effective for many patients, some of the cons associated with them are that most are painful, invasive, expensive, or simply do not work well.
Possible complications of invasive surgery include injury to facial nerves, tissue damage, infections, or a limited range of motion. If your dentist recommends surgery, be sure to discuss the risks and benefits, as well as other treatment options.
A New Treatment Could Someday Relieve TMJ Disorder
A fascinating new study out of the University of California Irvine could someday mean permanent relief for sufferers of TMJD. A new surgical treatment could someday help patients by providing them with a very special implant.
“Researchers at UC Irvine believe they have found a way to grow biological temporomandibular joint discs in a lab,” says Wexford, Pennsylvania, dentist Dr. Alexandra George. “These biological discs would be implanted into TMJ disorder patients to replace the worn joints affected by the condition.” This is not the first time this type of procedure has been attempted. In the 1980s, a surgical procedure that used Teflon discs was developed, and devastating results were achieved.
As the Teflon became worn, fragments broke away and entered the brains of many of the patients who underwent the procedure, causing permanent damage to the jaw and brain. The difference between those discs and the discs under development at UC Irvine is that the UC Irvine discs are made with biological tissue, so they are not only more likely to be accepted by the human body but also, should they wear down over time, the biological material would simply be absorbed into the body without any harm or danger to the brain – or any other part of the body.
The procedure has only been tested on mice but to great success. In 2023, The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine granted $6 million to UC Irvine to conduct preclinical trials of Hyaleon®, a specialized neocartilage implant developed to address defects in the temporomandibular joint. “It will be fascinating to see in the coming years if this type of procedure gains FDA approval and if it really works to correct TMJ disorder in humans,” says George. “Its efficacy in animal subjects shows great promise.”
Treatment from Alexandra S. George DDS
We understand that every patient’s experience with TMJD is unique, so we offer treatment plans tailored to your needs. The Pittsburgh Dentist team will assess your condition using advanced diagnostic tools and techniques to gain a comprehensive understanding of your TMJD.
Based on this evaluation, we provide a range of treatment options, including Disclusion Time Reduction (DTR) and orthotic appliances. Using one or more of our treatments ensures you receive effective and individualized care for your TMJD, helping you achieve lasting relief and improved quality of life.
Live Pain-Free for Life with TMJD Treatments
If you’re seeking advanced and effective TMJD treatment in Pittsburgh, PA, trust Alexandra S. George DDS and her experienced team at Pittsburgh Dentist. We are dedicated to providing the latest therapies and technologies to ensure relief from TMJD-related discomfort. Don’t let TMJD pain control your life. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your consultation. Your path to a pain-free life starts here.
