LASER TREATMENT FOR TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT (TMJ) DISORDERS (TMJ)
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) conjoins the mandible to the skull. The TMJ is on either side of the head and enables the opening and closing of the jaw so you can eat and speak. TMJ disorders lead to facial pain, problems with joint mobility and tenderness near the joint. A diagnosis may be hard to determine because there are several possible causes of TMJ-related pain.
Other related symptoms include:- Neck pain
- Stiff jaw muscles
- Restricted movement of the jaw
- Locked jaw
- Popping or clicking sounds near the jaw
- Worn teeth
- Headaches
TMJ disorders ultimately hinder the jaw's mobility, preventing it from functioning at its best. As a result, you will not be able to open your jaw easily, which means it may become difficult to chew or speak.
What is TMJ Laser Therapy?
TMJ laser therapy utilises the process of photobiomodulation to ease pain, swelling and inflammation of the jaw and nearby tissue. Photobiomodulation is a unique process that integrates with intracellular biomolecules to stimulate the release of the chemical energy ATP. As a result, the increase of ATP improves cellular metabolism, DNA production and cell replication and repairs badly damaged cells.
How do you perform the procedure?
Dr Kemp can apply low doses of laser energy to the affected area using a low-level laser. The laser energy helps improve blood flow and, in turn, prevents cellular waste from accumulating in the damaged parts of the jaw, such as the muscles and joints that make up the jaw.
Within six months of treatment, you can expect the range of motion of the mandibular to improve. You can also expect long-term pain relief as a result of the procedure.
What are the advantages of TMJ Laser Therapy?
TMJ laser therapy breaks the cycle of pain due to chronic inflammation as a result of a TMJ disorder. Laser therapy is known to decrease the amount of oxidative stress, which increases cell regeneration and reverses cellular damage. Therefore, blood circulation and oxygen flow to the jaw increase. Naturally, light therapy stimulates the production of cytokines, anti-inflammatories required to heal tissues. Furthermore, the reaction reduces the types of cytokines that are considered inflammatory and prostaglandins that cause pain.