Cold Laser Treatment for TMJ in Arizona

It is estimated that Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders affect over 10 million Americans, most of which are women between 20 and 40 years of age. TMJ pain can result from trauma to the joint but for many, the cause of their pain is difficult to diagnose, and therefore difficult to treat. For some patients, TMJ results in mild pain and slight impairment in jaw function; for others, it can be severe pain. The majority of facial pain actually stems from TMJ disorders as the pain can radiate outward to the neck and affect muscles and ligaments in the face. Often, patients suffer from frequent headaches caused by inflammation of the muscles that are involved in opening and closing the mouth.

When simple therapies such as anti-inflammatory medication, injections, oral splints, dietary changes and jaw rest do not produce results, Cold Laser treatment may be the key to recovering your quality of life.

What is Cold Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment uses light photons (energy) to penetrate deep into the tissues surrounding the temporomandibular joint as well as the joint itself. Surgical, high energy lasers produce pinpoint laser light which can then be used to cut tissue, using over 100 watts of energy. The low energy output of therapeutic lasers does not heat the tissues as it uses only over 0.5 watts of energy. Laser machines used for therapy, as in TMJ treatment, produce the light in a larger area, about the size of a quarter. Cold lasers are perfectly safe and comfortable.

We use state-of-the-art laser equipment in our targeted TMJ treatment at the Head Pain Institute. All cold laser machines are FDA approved medical devices which have proven to be safe and effective in the treatment of TMJ pain.

How does Cold Laser work?

Initially, laser treatment reduces inflammation and enhances tissue healing by stimulating the production of more red blood cells in the targeted body area. Laser therapy also increases lymphatic movement and increases oxygenation of the damaged tissues, which in turn cause them to regenerate healthy cells.

Another reason to opt for laser treatment for TMJ is that laser energy stimulates an enzyme present in all cells to produce more energy, which in turn speeds up the healing process.  The benefits of a higher energy laser are two-fold:

  • Larger volumes of tissue can be treated.
  • Deeper penetration is more effective at pain management – The temporomandibular joint is unique in the body as it regulates two motions; up and down and side to side. The muscles that support and cross the joint create force on the joint and can become inflamed for a number of reasons. TMJ laser treatment offers patients immediate pain relief, producing a feeling of warmth at the deep site of pain. Other than pain relief, laser therapy has other health benefits which can contribute to long term healing.

How Many Cold Laser Treatments Will I Need?

The experience of each patient is unique, depending on the degree of distress to the joint and muscles. Most patients feel significant relief after 2 or 3 cold laser treatments as the inflammation goes down. However, to get the full benefit of the healing aspects of laser treatment for TMJ a full course of between 6 to 12 treatments is recommended. Failing to complete the recommended series of treatment will not allow the body to fully heal and the pain may return. Since the treatments are only about 5 to 10 minutes long, patients can easily schedule this laser therapy procedure over their lunch break or stop in quickly before or after work.

Minimize or Eliminate TMJ Pain Today

Laser treatment for TMJ pain is painless, non-invasive and has health benefits that far exceed any relief provided by a drug. The Head Pain Institute® is dedicated to helping patients out of the debilitating cycle of pain caused by TMJ disorders. HPI® Providers are TMJ specialists that have helped hundreds of patients regain their quality of life by minimizing or eliminating TMJ pain from their lives. If you are one of the 10 million Americans suffering with some degree of a TMJ disorder, schedule an appointment with one of the TMJ specialists at the Head Pain Institute® to find out how we can help you become pain-free.

Call us at (480) 945-3629 or click here to schedule an appointment online for treatment of any of the following:

  • Facial Trauma
  • Jaw Fracture
  • Oral Pathology
  • Sleep Apnea Treatment
  • TMJ
    • TMJ Disorders
    • Botox for TMJ
    • Laser for TMJ Pain
    • TMD Disorders