Summary of Treatment for Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs) (Text Alternative)

Chart for Summary of Treatments for Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs)

Simple

Simplest treatments; try these treatments first.

• Eating soft foods.
• Applying heat or cold to face.
• Jaw stretching and strengthening exercises.
• Short-term over-the-counter NSAIDs.
• Self-management.

Intermediate

Could be prescribed by doctor or dentist as a second step if simpler treatments do not help.

• Behavioral health approaches (usually offered by a psychologist).
• Physical therapy, including manual therapy (needs referral by doctor or dentist).
• Prescription medications.
• Intraoral appliances.
• Complementary treatments.

Moderately Complex

Proceed with caution if these treatments are recommended. They involve going into the jaw joint using needles or other instruments.

• Prolotherapy.
• Arthrocentesis.
• Arthroscopy.

Most Complex

Only consider these if doctor or dentist recommends as a last resort; ask for second opinion. Involves direct access and permanent changes to the jaw joint.

• Surgery, including TMJ implants.

Botulinum toxin Type A injections and occlusal treatments are not listed in this table because:

• Researchers do not have conclusive evidence that botulinum toxin Type A injections into the chewing muscles help with TMDs.
• Occlusal treatments including placing crowns, grinding down teeth, and orthodontic treatments do not help TMDs and can make the problem worse.