Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome Treatment & Management
- Author: Vivian Tsai; Chief Editor: Rick Kulkarni, MD more...
Emergency Department Care
Signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders improve over time with or without treatment for most patients. As many as 50% of the patients have symptomatic improvement in 1 year and 85% in 3 years. Conservative management should be attempted before invasive therapies, such as orthodontics or surgery, are recommended.[8]
- Analgesics - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Muscle relaxants - Benzodiazepines
- Moist heat and massage of masticatory muscles
Consultations
Provide outpatient follow-up care with ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or oral surgeon. However, if intractable pain is present, more urgent consultation is necessary.
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