Non-surgical basic TMJ Treatment
Your dentist may consider several options as there are several ways the TMJ disorders may be treated. Based on the initial diagnostic, your dentist will recommend what type of treatment is needed for your particular problem or even recommend that you be referred to a specialist.  There are two basic types of treatment for TM Joint disorders: surgical and non-surgical, but it is generally agreed that in most cases the non-surgical approach should be taken first in an effort to restore comfort, and improve jaw function to an acceptable level. Part of your clinical examination includes checking the joints and muscles for tenderness, clicking, popping or difficulty moving. Your complete medical history may be reviewed. Besides taking x-rays, your dentist may make a “cast” of your teeth to see how your bite fits together. Your dentist may also request specialized x-rays for the TM joints. Depending on your case, the dentist may refer you to a physician or another specialist dentist. As per the diagnosis of an individual case, one or a combination of the following non-surgical treatments may be adopted:

• Your dentist may custom fabricate an intra-oral Orthotic called a Splint. The purpose of these Orthotics, which may be fitted to either the upper or lower jaws, and in some cases to both, is to re-position the Condyle Head in the Joint space to a more normal position, thereby relieving the stresses, and pressures, being placed on the tissues of the Joints, and their related supporting structures allowing them to heal.
  
  
• Your dentist may recommend physical therapy treatments that might include Ultra-sound, and an exercise rehabilitation program.
  
  
• The medications like anti-inflammatory, and muscle relaxants, and such other prescription medications as may be applicable to the case may be recommend.
  
• The patients needing stress management include any number of modalities from bio-feedback training to counseling, minimally invasive "joint flushes," as may be recommended in consultation with your treating specialist TMJ practitioner. Biofeedback simply means that you are given information about your body so you can change it.
  
  
• The dentist or physical therapist may recommend applying moist heat or cold packs after exercising. It is normally applied alternatively as a routine a few times each day.  Cut foods into very small pieces before eating to decrease the amount of chewing required.
  
  
• Bite correction dental treatments may be recommended for replace missing teeth; use crowns , bridges , implants or braces to balance the biting surfaces of your teeth or to correct a bite problem.
  
  
• Avoid hyperactivity in jaw movements like chewing gum, intense yelling or singing.
  
  
• Maintain good posture. Avoid resting your chin on your hand and making angled hands-free posture while talking on telephone. This helps reduce neck and facial pain.
  
  
• Contiously keep your teeth slightly apart as it helps relieve pressure on the jaw and also keeps clenching or grinding during the day in check.

Non-surgical advanced TMJ Treatments
The tricky problem as the TMJ syndrome is, your dentist may suggest one or more of the following if the basic treatments as mentioned above have not been helpful:

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). This therapy aims to provide pain relief by relaxing the jaw joint and facial muscles using low-level electrical currents.
  
  
• Ultrasound. Ultrasound treatment procedure is adopted to apply deep heat to the TMJ to relieve soreness or improve mobility.
  
  
• Trigger-point injections. This treatment procedure aims to relieve pain by injecting pain medication or anesthesia into tender facial muscles called "trigger points".
  
  
• Radio wave therapy. This treatment procedure aims at increasing the blood flow by the use of radio waves that create a low level electrical stimulation to the joint. Often the patient experiences relief of pain in the joint.

TMJ Surgery

The surgical intervention is considered only after all other treatment options as mentioned above have been tried out and none has worked to reduce the severity of pain. It is important to understand that the surgery undertaken is irreversible. There are three types of surgery for TMD: arthrocentesis, arthroscopy and open-joint surgery. The type of surgery needed depends on the TMD problem.

• Arthrocentesis. Depending upon the type of TMD syndrome, the first step taken in the surgical intervention is called Arthrocentesis which is a minor procedure performed in the office under general anesthesia. It is performed for sudden-onset, closed lock cases (restricted jaw opening) in patients with no significant prior history of TMJ problems. The surgery involves inserting needles inside the affected joint and washing out the joint with sterile fluids. Occasionally, the procedure may involve inserting a blunt instrument inside of the joint. The instrument is used in a sweeping motion to remove tissue adhesion bands and to dislodge a disc that is stuck in front of the condyle (the part of your TMJ consisting of the "ball" portion of the "ball and socket")
• Arthroscopy. After the diagnostics have been completed indicating Arthroscopy procedure, patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia. The specialist oral surgeon makes a small incision in front of the ear and inserts a small, thin instrument that contains a lens and light. This instrument is hooked up to a video screen, allowing the surgeon to examine the TMJ and surrounding area. Depending on the cause of the TMD, the surgeon may remove inflamed tissue or realign the disc or condyle. Compared with open surgery, this surgery is less invasive, leaves less scarring, and is associated with minimal complications and a shorter recovery time. Depending on the cause of the TMD, arthroscopy may not be possible, and open-joint surgery may be necessary.
  
• Open-joint surgery. The procedure is performed giving patients a general anesthesia. Unlike arthroscopy, the entire area around the TMJ is opened so that the surgeon can get a full view and better access. There are many types of open-joint surgeries. This treatment may be necessary if the bony structures that comprise the jaw joint are deteriorating; there are tumors in or around your TMJ; or there is severe scarring or chips of bone in the joint. Compared with arthroscopy, open-joint surgery results in a longer healing time and there is a greater chance of scarring and nerve injury.