TEMPORO-MANDIBULAR JOINT (TMJ) DYSFUNCTION

TMJ treatment may range from conservative management to complex surgery. Depending on the diagnosis, early treatment may include short-term anti-inflammatory drugs for pain and muscle relaxation, a bite splint, comprehensive TMJ physiotherapy, short term diet modification and education to manage the symptoms.

There is a very limited role solely for expensive full mouth crown and bridge rehabilitation in the setting of TMJ pain, in fact it may make the problem worse.

Generally, a well-educated dentist or Oral Medicine specialist is the best person to manage the non-surgical interventions of TMJ disorders. Suitably trained Physiotherapy is also very important.

Occasionally, if non-surgical treatment is unsuccessful or if there is clear joint damage or pathology then surgery may be indicated. It is at this point in time a surgeon may be consulted.

Surgery can involve either:

• Arthrocentesis

• Arthroscopy and joint washout

• Open repair of damaged tissue

• TMJ Replacement

Dr Madden may be able to help correctly diagnose and provide the appropriate advice with regard to any surgical treatment.

We work closely with surgeons who have a special interest in complex TMJ pathology and we may recommend you see them without seeing Dr Madden so as to avoid the inconvenience of two different surgeon visits.