TMJ stands for Temporomandibular joint.
It is located on each side of your jaw to connect your jawbone to your skull. In other words, it acts like a sliding hinge between your jawbone and your skull. A temporomandibular joint helps you chew and speak. And when you feel pain in those joints, chances are you might have TMD.
TMD or Temporomandibular disorder can lead to pain and discomfort in your temporomandibular joints. This condition can be chronic or acute. The pain caused by TMJ can be mild or severe.
This blog will discuss all relevant information about TMJ disorder. Also, we will discuss how TMJ dentists can treat this disorder.
Causes of TMJ?
Injury to the jaw joints or surrounding tissues is the common cause of TMJ disorder. Other causes include the following:
- Acute Trauma
- Arthritis in the TMJ
- Teeth Grinding
- Disc dislocation between the ball and socket joint
- Improper bite
Signs and Symptoms of TMJ
TMJ dysfunction usually occurs between 20 to 40 years of age. Also, it is more common in women in contrast to men. Some of the common symptoms of TMJ disorder are as follows:
- Headaches
- Difficulty in opening your mouth wide
- Jaw pain
- Pain in the neck or shoulders
- Difficulty chewing
- Earaches
- Swelling on both sides of the face
- Tired feeling on the face
- Locking of jaws in the open or closed position
- Ringing in ears
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together.
When Should You Seek a TMJ Dentist?
If you experience pain in your jaws or any of the symptoms discussed above, visit a TMJ dentist to ensure it is a TMJ disorder. A healthcare provider will observe the following to detect the dysfunction. These are as follows:
- Observe the Range of Movement of your jaws when you open and close your mouth.
- Determine the area of discomfort by pressing on your face and jaws.
- Feel around your jaw joints during the movement of your jaws.
How Do Dentists Treat TMJ?
Medications
TMJ dentists suggest certain medications, like anti-anxiety drugs, analgesics, muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory medications. The purpose of these medications is to relax the musclesand reduce inflammation.
Oral Appliance Therapy
It is believed that those who have the habit of grinding or clenching their teeth while sleeping can worsen their TMJ dysfunction. Dentists prescribe custom-made night guards designed to realign the paws of the patient while sleeping. Also, these night guards strive to remove the tension of the TMJs. Dental splints are also the right choice for patients who need oral appliances more than at night.
For those suffering from sleep apnea, visit Aberdeen Dental Centre, a Sleep Disorder Clinic in Vernon, BC.
Relaxation Techniques and Exercises
In some conditions, the dentist recommends relaxation exercises. These exercises strengthen the jaw area by stretching the entire mouth area. By doing so, the amount of stress in the jaws gets reduced. Also, it helps reduce the pain experienced by the patient.
Dental Treatment:
Noticing the severity of your TMJ dental concern, the dentist can replace missing teeth or use crowns, braces, or bridges to balance the biteor correct bite.
Conclusion
In conclusion, TMJ can significantly impact one’s quality of life, and seeking professional help from a dentist is essential. Dentists can offer a variety of treatments for TMJ, ranging from simple lifestyle changes to appliance therapy. It’s necessary to consult a dentist to determine the appropriate treatment plan for individual.
needs. With the proper treatment, patients with TMJ can find relief from their symptoms and enjoy an improved quality of life.
Are you looking for TMJ treatment in Vernon, BC? Visit Aberdeen Dental Centre.The expert team of TMJ dentists at Aberdeen Dental Centre strives to offer our patients comprehensive care and treatment.
