There are a variety of treatment options for TMJ, both surgical and nonsurgical.  Nonsurgical Treatments In some cases, a TMJ disorder will resolve on its own. But if it persists, many doctors will begin with nonsurgical treatments.   Some of these nonsurgical treatments include: Medications  These medications may be helpful in relieving TMJ disorder symptoms: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories. If over-the-counter pain medicines don’t work for you, you may need stronger pain relievers. Tricyclic antidepressants. In low doses, these antidepressants can be useful for pain relief.  Muscle relaxants. These types of drugs can help when jaw disorders are the result of muscle spasms. Therapies Non Drug therapies for TMJ disorders include: Oral splints or mouth guards. The benefits of wearing these soft guards are not well-understood. Physical therapy. Along with exercises to stretch and strengthen the jaw muscles, heat, and ice on the face could help. Counseling. Education and counseling can help you understand the factors and behaviors that may aggravate your pain. This will help you avoid triggers. Lifestyle and home remedies  Becoming more aware of tension-related habits like clenching your jaw or chewing too hard can help relieve the symptoms of a TMJ disorder. The following tips may help you make lifestyle changes that reduce your TMJ disorder symptoms: Avoid overuse of jaw muscles. Eat soft foods. Cut food into small pieces. Steer clear of sticky or chewy foods. Stretching and massage. There are exercises that will stretch and strengthen your jaw muscles. There are also massage techniques that will help. Your doctor, dentist, or therapist can help you learn. Heat or cold. Applying warm, moist heat or ice to the side of your face can help alleviate pain. Alternative Medicine There are a variety of possible alternative treatments for TMJ disorders, including acupuncture.    However, there is very little scientific research attached to these therapies. Some patients and some providers have experienced improvements with alternative medicine therapies. Surgical Treatments When other methods aren’t effective, doctors may turn to surgical treatments for TMJ disorders. Some of these surgical treatments are: Arthrocentesis This is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the insertion of small needles into the joint. This allows fluid to irrigate through the joint and removes debris and inflammatory byproducts. Injections  Some cases of TMJ disorders can resolve through corticosteroid injections. Sometimes, injections of botulinum toxin (Botox) is also helpful.  TMJ Arthroscopy  In some cases, arthroscopic surgery can be effective in treating various types of TMJ disorders. Your surgeon will place a small, thin tube into the joint space and insert an arthroscope. Your surgeon will use very small surgical instruments for surgery. This procedure has fewer risks and complications than open-joint surgery. Modified Condylotomy  This procedure addresses TMJ directly. A surgeon performs this procedure on the mandible, but not on the TMJ itself.  Open-Joint Surgery If other methods don’t resolve jaw pain, this method can help solve structural problems within the joint. However, this procedure has the risk of complications. You should only consider open-joint surgery if you have not had success with other methods, and after talking with your doctor.