Non-surgical Tmj Relief: How We Treat Jaw Pain At 32 Smiles

By Author: 32smiles
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If you have been living with chronic jaw pain, you have probably spent hours Googling your symptoms. And if you have Googled "TMJ treatment," you have probably seen some scary words: Surgery. Jaw wiring. Joint replacement.
It is enough to make anyone suffer in silence rather than see a doctor.
But here is the truth that most patients don't know: Surgery is the last resort, not the first option.
At 32 Smiles, we believe in Functional Dentistry. This means we look for the root cause of the pain rather than just treating the symptoms. As a leading TMJ specialist in Pune, Dr. Milind Darda has successfully treated thousands of jaw pain cases—and 90% of them never needed surgery.
Why Does My Jaw Hurt? (It’s Not Always the Joint)
To understand how we treat the pain without surgery, you first need to understand where it comes from.
In many cases, the pain you feel isn't actually damage to the bone or joint structure. It is muscular fatigue.
Think of it like a backache. If you sit with bad posture all day, your back muscles spasm. Similarly, if your bite is misaligned (your top and bottom ...
... teeth don't fit together perfectly), your jaw muscles have to work overtime just to keep your mouth closed.
Over weeks and months, these overworked muscles become inflamed, leading to:
Pain in the cheeks and temples.
Neck and shoulder stiffness.
Headaches that feel like migraines.
The Solution? We don't need to operate on the joint; we just need to help the muscles relax.
Our 3-Step Non-Surgical Approach
When you visit our clinics in Koregaon Park, Shivaji Nagar, or Satara Road, we don't rush you to the operating theater. We start with a comprehensive "T-Scan" and clinical evaluation to build a conservative treatment plan.
1. Splint Therapy (The "Crutches" for Your Jaw)
This is our most effective tool. A Splint (or Orthotic) is a custom-made, hard acrylic device that fits over your teeth.
How it works: It artificially creates a "perfect bite." When you wear it, your jaw slides into its most natural, relaxed position.
The Result: It immediately takes the load off your tired muscles and the joint disc. For many patients, the relief is almost instant.
2. T-Scan & Bite Equilibration
Sometimes, a single tooth hitting too hard can throw your entire jaw off balance.
The Tech: We use a digital T-Scan sensor to measure the force of your bite with computer precision.
The Fix: Dr. Darda performs "Equilibration"—tiny, painless adjustments to the enamel of specific teeth to ensure your bite pressure is evenly distributed. It’s like balancing the tires on your car for a smoother ride.
3. Botox for TMJ (Muscle Relaxation)
While commonly known for wrinkles, Botox is a powerful medical tool for TMJ.
How it works: By injecting small amounts into the masseter (chewing) muscles, we can reduce their ability to clench forcefully.
The Result: It prevents you from grinding hard at night, giving your joint a chance to heal naturally.
When Is Surgery Needed?
We want to be transparent. There are rare cases—usually involving severe trauma (like an accident) or advanced arthritis where the joint is fused—that might require surgical intervention.
But even in those cases, we will always exhaust every non-invasive option first. Our philosophy is "Preserve the Natural Structure."
Don't Let Fear Keep You in Pain
You don't have to choose between "living with pain" and "getting surgery." There is a middle path.
If you are unable to open your mouth fully, hear loud clicking sounds, or wake up with a stiff jaw, it is time to see a specialist who understands the mechanics of the face.
Reclaim your life from jaw pain.
Schedule a non-surgical consultation with Dr. Milind Darda today.
Related articles
Splints vs. Night Guards: Which One Do You Need?
Does Your Jaw Click When You Eat? Here’s What It Means
Non-Surgical TMJ Relief: How We Treat Jaw Pain
FAQs:
1. Can TMJ be treated without surgery?
Yes. Most TMJ cases are muscle-related and respond well to non-surgical treatments like splints and bite correction.
2. How soon will I feel relief?
Many patients feel improvement within days to a few weeks, depending on severity.
3. Is a splint the same as a night guard?
No. Splints realign the jaw; night guards only protect teeth.
4. Is Botox safe for TMJ?
Yes, when done by a trained specialist, it safely relaxes jaw muscles.
5. When should I see a TMJ specialist?
If you have jaw pain, clicking, stiffness, or headaches lasting more than a few weeks.