TMD Treatment

Houston, Texas

Treatment of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) cannot be performed with a one-size-fits-all mentality. Each case of TMD is unique and requires a specialized treatment plan. In order to ensure you receive the best possible care, Houston TMJ Dentist, Dr. Ronald Konig will recommend the appropriate treatment method to address the specifics of your condition.

Two Phases of TMD Treatment

There are two phases of TMD treatment. In the first phase, Dr. Konig will attempt to alleviate the pain you experience as a result of TMD. Some methods used to accomplish this goal include:

• TENS unit to relax your jaw so that it can return to its ideal resting place
• Ionophoresis for pain reduction
• Moist heat to promote muscle relaxation
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Muscle exercises to increase range of motion in your jaw
• Functional exercises to strengthen opposing muscle groups
• Pain Release Splint (PRS) – a plastic mouth guard placed over the lower teeth to cushion the TMJ
• Neuromuscular oral orthotic – a clear, hard plastic mouth guard placed over the lower teeth to help your jaw function in the correct position (Dr. Konig has several designs of neuromuscular orthotics that can be used)

Once your pain has been eliminated, Dr. Konig will initiate the second phase of your treatment, which is intended to correct the underlying cause of your TMD. Treatment options include:

• Occlusal equilibration to even out your bite and eliminate physical stress to muscles in the region
• Comprehensive prosthetic crown and bridge to replace missing teeth which may have caused your bite to fall out of alignment or to add vertical height to build up your bite to the correct jaw position
• Orthopedic repositioning appliance or oral orthotic to be worn for an extended period of time on top of your teeth
• Orthodontics to shift your teeth to the appropriate bite position as found by TMJ treatment and computerized technology. 

Advances in neuromuscular dentistry techniques and technology enable Dr. Konig to effectively correct the alignment of your bite so that you will no longer have to endure the pain caused by TMD. Please contact our Houston, Texas TMD dentist today to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Konig.  Serving Houston, Katy, Galveston and Sugar Land, Texas.