Basically, temporomandibular joint or TMJ is a joint on each side of the head in front of the ears. The joints connect the jawbone or the mandible to the skull. However, tmj can rotate as well as move forward, sides to side, and backward. It is, therefore considered the most complex joint in the human body. Nevertheless, when there is a problem around these joints you can seek the help of a TMJ dentist Atlanta.
A disorder in the temporomandibular joint can be indicated by different signs and symptoms. Such symptoms may include pain and tenderness in or around your ears, jaw joint and muscles, face or temples. Other symptoms include problems closing and opening your mouth, popping and crunching. A grinding noise whenever chewing, yawning or opening your mouth could be a symptom. The disorder is also linked with neck pain and headaches.
In most cases, the disorders of temporomandibular joint are often caused by different factors like jaw injuries and diseases in the joint such as arthritis. The symptoms can, however, worsen because of teeth grinding and clenching as well as tension in the neck muscles and the head. Stress can also be a cause but it not yet clear whether it is a result of the disorder or a cause. Other causes may include habits like biting pens and fingernails, and partial or full denture that are not a good fit.
Generally, temporomandibular disorder patients may get over the disorder without treatment interventions. However, in Atlanta GA, this therapy helps relieve pain in the jaw muscles. For example applying massage to the jaw muscles carefully or placing a warm or cold compressor on the jaw. Certain lifestyle adjustments may be recommended to relax the joints. For example avoidance of habits like chewing gum and consuming soft food. It is advisable to eat smaller bits of food and get rid of hard sticky foods.
Mouth guards can also be helpful for grinding teeth. This is usually a plastic device which fit over the teeth. The mouth guard helps to cover the teeth thereby reducing clenching and grinding of your teeth. Your dentist can help get the right device for you.
The doctor can, however, prescribe some medications such as painkillers to ease the pain of this disorder. If your pain does not lessen after taking painkillers, stronger medications such as muscle relaxers and antidepressants can be recommended. If the condition is caused by disease such as arthritis, steroid injections can be given to help reduce pain and swelling to the soft tissue and the area around the joint.
Nevertheless, when all the above types of treatment do not offer the desirable help, a surgical treatment may be recommended. When there are abnormalities in the joints, an open surgery may be considered. If the symptoms are long-lasting, severe, and impairing your jaw function, a total replacement of the joint can be recommended although for very few people.
Mostly, the temporomandibular disorder improves over time even without treatment. In most cases, surgical treatment is usually not common in many patients. While the condition is usually not a very serious condition, it can significantly affect the quality of your life.
A disorder in the temporomandibular joint can be indicated by different signs and symptoms. Such symptoms may include pain and tenderness in or around your ears, jaw joint and muscles, face or temples. Other symptoms include problems closing and opening your mouth, popping and crunching. A grinding noise whenever chewing, yawning or opening your mouth could be a symptom. The disorder is also linked with neck pain and headaches.
In most cases, the disorders of temporomandibular joint are often caused by different factors like jaw injuries and diseases in the joint such as arthritis. The symptoms can, however, worsen because of teeth grinding and clenching as well as tension in the neck muscles and the head. Stress can also be a cause but it not yet clear whether it is a result of the disorder or a cause. Other causes may include habits like biting pens and fingernails, and partial or full denture that are not a good fit.
Generally, temporomandibular disorder patients may get over the disorder without treatment interventions. However, in Atlanta GA, this therapy helps relieve pain in the jaw muscles. For example applying massage to the jaw muscles carefully or placing a warm or cold compressor on the jaw. Certain lifestyle adjustments may be recommended to relax the joints. For example avoidance of habits like chewing gum and consuming soft food. It is advisable to eat smaller bits of food and get rid of hard sticky foods.
Mouth guards can also be helpful for grinding teeth. This is usually a plastic device which fit over the teeth. The mouth guard helps to cover the teeth thereby reducing clenching and grinding of your teeth. Your dentist can help get the right device for you.
The doctor can, however, prescribe some medications such as painkillers to ease the pain of this disorder. If your pain does not lessen after taking painkillers, stronger medications such as muscle relaxers and antidepressants can be recommended. If the condition is caused by disease such as arthritis, steroid injections can be given to help reduce pain and swelling to the soft tissue and the area around the joint.
Nevertheless, when all the above types of treatment do not offer the desirable help, a surgical treatment may be recommended. When there are abnormalities in the joints, an open surgery may be considered. If the symptoms are long-lasting, severe, and impairing your jaw function, a total replacement of the joint can be recommended although for very few people.
Mostly, the temporomandibular disorder improves over time even without treatment. In most cases, surgical treatment is usually not common in many patients. While the condition is usually not a very serious condition, it can significantly affect the quality of your life.
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Get a summary of the things to consider before choosing a TMJ dentist Atlanta area and more information about a knowledgeable dental practitioner at http://caugheydds.com/category/tmj-and-bite-therapy now.
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