You may not think much about TMJ disorder unless a dentist diagnoses you with it. This is a serious condition that can cause much pain and discomfort. Untreated, this disorder can make it difficult to chew and even speak. Instead of suffering and being in agony, you can speak to your dentist. Fortunately, relief is available with a few different treatments. Your dentist can look at various options.
On both sides of the jaws is a joint called the temporomandibular joint. This sliding hinge-like joint connects the jawbone to the skull. It is critical for any activities that require opening and closing the mouth. Most of the time, people do not even think about using this joint. However, injury, wear and tear, or bad habits can put a strain on the joint, irritating it.
Disorder of this joint can bring excruciating pain to the individual. The feelings can radiate up to the ears and throughout the face. The jaw may even be tender to the touch. This disorder can limit a person’s range of motion in the jaw. It may even cause headaches and interfere with a person’s quality of life.
A person can look for the signs and symptoms of TMJ, but a dentist will diagnose it. The dentist will examine the patient and confirm that there are concerns with the joint. First, there will be a series of X-rays to see if there are visible signs of injuries. The dentist will look at the jaw and check the range of motion. It may even help to listen as the patient opens and closes the mouth, as the jaw could make popping or clicking sounds. The dentist will also press on both sides of the jaw and ask the patient how uncomfortable it is.
Nightguards
There are a handful of ways in which nightguards can help with this dysfunction. The primary function is designed to relieve tension from the joint where the pain is located. Wearing a nightguard will keep the teeth from contacting one another, so if grinding is the main reasons for the pain, the guard will keep this from happening. Also, the guard can be effective at realigning the jaw over time.
Another nice aspect of wearing nightguards for TMJ pain is that the dental professional can cater them especially for the patient. The dentist will make a mold of the person’s mouth to help ensure it fits properly. The nightguards are hard and made of acrylic, but they are also thin and should not hinder one’s ability to sleep comfortably. The dentist will follow up regularly with the patient to make sure the appliance is doing its job correctly. The dentist will also assess where the person is biting abnormally.
Another approach is to walk the patient through mobility exercises to strengthen the jaw. The dentist can help the patient stretch the jaw muscles and improve flexibility with the joint. The patient should always follow the dentist’s instructions when it comes to these exercises. The dentist may also advise the patient to apply heat and cold packs to the jaw to reduce pain and any swelling.
In more advanced TMJ cases, surgery may be necessary and effective. One approach is a process called arthrocentesis. The dentist will drain the joint of fluid and other materials using small needles. Arthroscopy is another option and is less invasive than open-jaw surgery. However, open-jaw surgery may be the right treatment when other measures have not been successful.
Living with TMJ can be difficult. You should not have to suffer the effects of this disorder. Your dentist can properly diagnose you and provide the right treatment. If you have jaw pain, make a dental appointment today and get the help you need.
Request an appointment here: https://www.yanasedds.com or call Yanase Dental Group at (310) 736-1063 for an appointment in our Torrance office.
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