Temporomandibular (TM) Disorders: Other Treatment

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Other Treatment

Many types of treatment can successfully relieve temporomandibular (TM) disorder symptoms. Different health professionals will suggest different treatments, any of which may work to relieve jaw and facial pain.

If a health professional recommends that you try a treatment that might make permanent changes to your jaw or teeth, get a second opinion.

Other Treatment Choices

Depending on your condition, one of the following choices may be more effective than another. Safe options for treatment of TM disorder include:

• Some dental treatments, including splint therapy to relieve pressure on the TM joint.
• Physical therapy.
• Behavioral counseling.
• Biofeedback.
• Trigger point management.

Complementary medicine

Treatments considered safe and effective for some people include:

• Hypnosis.
• Acupuncture.

What To Think About

Many different types of treatment for temporomandibular (TM) disorders have potential for successfully relieving your condition. If your problem is linked to muscle tension, any treatment that helps you relax your jaw muscles with no adverse effects is likely to be helpful. Different treatments work for different people.

Treatments vary greatly in effectiveness, safety, and cost.

Last updated:	January 24, 2008
Author:	Monica Rhodes
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Arden Christen, DDS, MSD, MA, FACD - Dentistry
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC