Surgical and non-surgical treatment of temporomandibular disorders in Tunja, Colombia

How are temporomandibular disorders treated?

Treatment moves from simplest to most complex. Most patients improve without surgery, so conservative care always comes first.

What does non-surgical treatment include?

A night splint or occlusal guard, a temporary soft diet, avoiding gum and wide mouth opening, local heat or cold, jaw exercises with physical therapy, short courses of pain relievers or muscle relaxants, stress and bruxism management, and in some cases botulinum toxin in the chewing muscles.

What minimally invasive procedures exist?

Arthrocentesis, which flushes the joint through needles, and arthroscopy, which allows viewing and treating the inside of the joint. Hyaluronic acid or platelet-rich plasma injections are sometimes used. They are usually done when pain or locking persists despite conservative care.

When is open surgery needed?

In uncommon cases: ankylosis (the joint fuses and will not open), severe joint damage, tumors, some fractures or deformities. It may involve repairing the joint disc or replacing the joint with a prosthesis.

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