Pharmacological management of temporomandiular joint disorders – a review.
- Author:
Kumar VGL.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Pain;
Pharmacotherapy;
Temporomandibular disorders.
- From:
Pacific Journal of Medical Sciences
2014;13(2):3-14
- CountryPapua New Guinea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Patients frequently visit dentists with main intention of pain relief. Among various causes of pain, the temporomandibular disorder representing a group is one of them. Every dental practitioner should be aware of these disorders and the mode of treating them. Pharmacology usually represents the first stage of management or as an additional treatment for these disorders. Commonly used pharmacotherapeutic medicines include analgesics, corticosteroids, muscle relaxants, antidepressants and sedative-hypnotics. Analgesics such as naproxen, diclofenac, ibuprofen and corticosteroids such as methylprednisolone, triamcinolone acetonide are beneficial in relieving pain of acute and chronic temporomandibular disorders associated with inflammation. Muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine and chlorzoxazone can be given for pain of temporomandibular disorders associated with muscular tensions and spasms. Sedative- hypnotics are helpful to patients who have muscular tension together with poor sleep patterns. Antidepressants like amitriptyline are effective in chronic myofascial pain syndrome and in patients with coexistent depression and tension headaches. Benzodiazepines such as clonazepam and diazepam are helpful in chronic myogenous jaw pain. The article attempts to review the pharmacological management of temporomandibular disorders in a concise manner so as to be helpful for medical and dental practitioners.
