Once we gather all the information regarding your TMJ problems, our doctors will create a personalized comprehensive treatment plan. We specialize in conservative non-surgical management of TMJ disorders. Every attempt will be made to minimize the need for surgical intervention and allow your body to heal naturally. The following treatment modalities are utilized in our office based on your unique needs:
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- CBCT image – Unlike traditional dental x-rays used to diagnose teeth related issues (such as a panoramic x-ray); a full view CBCT x-ray provides a 3-dimensional detailed image of the skull, jaw joints, sinuses, teeth, and other structures. The image is interpreted by a board certified radiologist and will be shared with your medical team.
- Splint (orthotic) therapy – Splint therapy is used to stabilize, decompress and de-load the jaw joint. Unlike a traditional dental nightguard used to protect teeth, an orthopedic splint, or orthotic, is designed to support the jaw joints and is highly customized based on your condition. Timely and precise adjustments of the orthotic splint are necessary to help with the joint healing. The design varies greatly based on your individual needs and lifestyle.
Please note: improperly designed nightguards and dental appliances can create significant joint damage and irreversible bite changes. As a Board Certified Specialist in Orofacial Pain, Dr Kushner has extensive postgraduate training in splint design. Also, avoid do it yourself nightguards. Without appropriate diagnosis, a store-bought device can do a lot of harm.
- Photobiomodualtion (PBM), or cold laser therapy – This is a non-invasive method that contributes to pain relief, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing and tissue repair processes. It can induce cell proliferation and enhance stem cell differentiation. We utilize the Multiwave Locked System (MLS) Class IV laser. MLS Laser Therapy is a patented emission system created to achieve an efficient and simultaneous effect on pain, contracture, inflammation, and edema within a short period of time. The patented control system that generates the MLS pulse synchronizes the emissions to achieve optimum results. Due to this characteristic synchronization, the various therapeutic effects not only take place at the same time, but reciprocally reinforce each other, without the risk of thermal damage. This procedure is done in the office and is completely painless with no downtime.
- Botox injections – Botox injections can be used to treat muscle pain due to clenching in conjunction with other modalities. It is extremely important to rule out other causes of muscle pain prior to Botox treatment such as sleep apnea. Correcting the underlying cause will usually result in decreased muscle pain without repeated injections.
- I-PRF regenerative injections – I-PRF stands for injectable platelet-rich fibrin. This is a process that consists of drawing some of the patient’s blood and then processing it at a low speed using a centrifuge; separating platelets and growth factors. This healing fraction of blood is then injected in the affected joint. The process is safe with no downtime and can assist with the regeneration of cartilage and bone, restoring the loss of joint mobility, lessening the pain, and reduction of inflammation.
- Prolotherapy injections – This is a natural, minimally invasive, simple technique that stimulates the body to repair the painful area by assisting the natural healing process. A Dextrose injection is deposited into the ligament or tendon to produce a proliferative (healing) response of that ligament or tendon. The purpose of these injections is to strengthen the ligaments and relieve pain.
- Massage – Specialized intraoral massage is a great way to improve muscle function and decrease pain.