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Low-Level Laser Therapy for TMJ

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You've probably heard that oral appliance therapy can successfully treat TMJ disorder or pain. But what other forms of treatment do doctors provide?

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​But before we talk about other treatments for TMJ disorder, it’s important to understand that while there are plenty of options available, the best medication for you depends on the symptoms you have. At the Center for TMJ and Sleep Apnea, aside from oral appliance therapy, our doctors provide low level laser therapy (LLLT) to treat TMJ pain. To understand more about LLT, let’s take a closer look at what it is, and how it works in treating temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD.

Understanding TMD

TMD is a disorder of the TMJ, nerves associated with chronic facial pain, and jaw muscles, which often results in painful conditions and joint clicking. It’s a complex condition that is extremely common in individuals between the ages of 20 and 40. It is estimated that 15% of Americans suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder while about 75% suffer from TMD symptoms. The majority of them are being treated through conservative methods.

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What is LLLT?

Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is a physical therapy that is often used in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. However, it is also proven to be effective in treating temporomandibular joint disorders.

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​Since LLLT is a quick, safe, non-invasive, and non-pharmaceutical intervention, experts utilize it to relieve pain caused by TMD. The patient’s response will depend on the type of laser and the target tissue.

What Are the Benefits of LLLT?

Aside from being quick, safe, non-invasive, and non-surgical, LLLT offers plenty of other benefits. Here are some of them:

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  • It is highly effective in reducing long lasting pain.

  • It improves the health of your damaged jaw disk and speeds up your recovery time.

  • It can be applied to people of all ages.

  • It has no side effects.

  • It helps improve physical function and range of movement.

  • It can be applied to sore joints and muscles without causing further pain or trauma.

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