As common treatments like physical therapy and medication for TMJ are taking time to effect, laser treatment for TMJis developed. This method, with variable effects, can target chronic pain and reverse the effect of TMJ.
With its result, patients wonder how much TMJ laser treatment costs and whether it is safe to use red light therapy for TMJ. Let’s find out what causes TMJ and how laser treatment can solve this condition.
What Is TMJ?
The term “temporomandibular joint disorder” (TMJ) describes conditions that affect the jaw muscles, the temporomandibular joint, and the surrounding area. Your temporomandibular joint, which functions as a hinge to close and open your mouth and move your jaw from side to side, joins your jawbone to your skull. TMJ syndromes can cause intense facial pain as well as jaw dysfunction that makes it difficult for some mandibular movements like opening your mouth, moving your jaw, chewing, and doing other tasks.
Read More: What Is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)?
TMJ Symptoms
The following are typical signs that can be felt by patients with TMDs:
- facial side pain, jaw joint pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain
- discomfort in the ear and nearby area
- when opening or closing the jaw, popping, clicking, or grinding noises may appear.
- experiencing fatigue in the face
- orofacial pain
- discomfort or challenges in chewing
- face swelling
- headaches
- dizziness
- tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- a sore neck
Laser Treatment for TMJ
Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment option for patients with TMDs. It involves the use of a low-level laser, also known as a cold laser, to deliver light energy to the affected area. This treatment session has no downtime after the procedure.
The laser application utilizes an extremely low light to repair broken tissues. This laser type treatment doesn’t produce heat unlike other variety of lasers that’s why it is also called cold laser therapy.
How Laser Treatment for TMJ Works
The light energy from this low-level laser therapy is believed to reduce inflammation, tissue repair, and pain reduction, and promote healing, resulting in an improved function of the TMJ. Cold laser therapy is a relatively new treatment option for TMJ pain, and more studies are still needed to fully understand its effectiveness.
Benefits of Laser Therapy for TMJ
Cold laser therapy is a latest and non-invasive treatment procedure for TMJ disorder. It uses low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to reduce inflammation and pain in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Some other potential benefits of laser sessions for TMJ include:
Reducing Inflammation and Pain
Laser therapy can help decrease inflammation in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, alleviating intense pain and discomfort.
Improving Joint Mobility
Laser therapy can help to improve the mandibular range of motion in the jaw joint, making it easier to open and close the mouth.
Accelerating Healing
Cold laser therapy can promote cell repair and regeneration, which can help to speed up the healing process in the jaw joint.
Non-invasive
Laser therapy is non-invasive, which means that it doesn’t involve surgery or the use of medication. It is non-toxic and painless, and it has no known side effects.
Convenience
Cold laser therapy is usually administered on an outpatient basis, and multiple sessions may be required. It is generally considered a safe and well-tolerated treatment option.
Laser Therapy vs Other TMJ Treatments
The outcome of laser therapy may depend on the frequency of laser application. In a comparison of laser therapy to other TMJ treatments, we can say that this method can be convenient and consumes less application time.
Common treatments for TMJ include physical therapy, medications, TMJ injections, splints or bite guards, and in severe cases, surgery. These treatments can induce pain relief but may take time to effect completely. Cold laser therapy uses laser power that doesn’t produces heat, so the tissues are safe, and it doesn’t cause even minor discomfort.
Related Article: What Is TMJ Disorder? Causes, Treatment & More
Laser Treatment for TMJ Cost
TMJ treatment varies on how severe the condition is. Patients with health insurance can get up to a certain percentage of discounts. The average cost for TMJ laser treatments ranges from $400-$500 per session. Upon receiving the procedure, patients are advised to be mindful and observe what they eat, as it can affect the treatment. Your orthodontist will recommend a series of treatments for a more guaranteed, long term-effect.
TMJ Laser Treatment Frequently Asked Questions
How safe is low-level laser therapy?
Low-level laser therapy or cold therapy are approved for a painless and safe treatment. It doesn’t produce heat that can damage your tissue.
How long does each session take?
Sessions of laser treatment may take less than an hour since it is not encouraged to have prolonged exposure to such a procedure.
When might laser therapy not be effective?
If the TMJ disorder is caused by a structural problem such as an injury, arthritis, or a congenital disorder, laser therapy alone may not be sufficient to resolve the issue entirely.
Can TMJ be treated with a laser?
Yes, it can. Low-level laser or cold therapy is developed to help the regeneration of temporomandibular joints and tissue.
What is the most effective treatment for TMJ?
Each method’s effects depend on how the patient’s body will handle it. Some procedures may affect faster on a patient, but they may not work for others. It is best to consult a doctor to see what method fits a condition.
Can TMJ be fixed permanently?
The goal of treatment for TMJ disorder is to reduce pain and improve jaw function. Depending on the disorder’s underlying cause, treatment may include physical therapy, splints or bite guards, medication, or surgery. These treatments may alleviate symptoms and improve function, but they may not “fix” the problem permanently.
What effect does low-level laser have on TMJ?
The laser light used in LLLT is thought to have several effects on the tissues of the TMJ, including:
- Reducing inflammation
- Increasing blood flow
- Reducing pain
- Improving muscle function
Why Is TMJ surgery not recommended?
Surgery is generally not the first line of treatment for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder and is not recommended unless other non-surgical options have been exhausted and the patient still experiences severe pain or dysfunction.
Surgery is not typically recommended as the primary line of treatment for TMJ disorder because of its complexity, risk of complications, recovery time, cost, and lack of long-term efficacy.
What are the disadvantages of laser treatment for the face?
Laser treatment for the face is a popular procedure that can be used to address TMJ disorder. Some potential disadvantages to consider before laser treatment are pain and discomfort, scarring risk, and possible side effects like swelling, redness, itching, and infection.
Is TMJ a medical or dental problem?
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition that affects the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement; that’s why it’s considered a dental and medical problem.
Consult Garza DDS and Learn More if You Can Get Laser Therapy for Your TMJ
If you’re having intense pain with your TMJ and you want to get it treated at once, it is best to consult Garza DDS to diagnose your condition immediately. Dr. Garza, a TMJ specialist in Gilbert, AZ, offers consultation if you want to find out if you can get laser treatment for your TMJ. Contact us now and schedule your appointment.