The temporomandibular joint (alternatively known as the TMJ), is a hinge type of joint formed by the mandible (below) and the skull (above). The mandible typically slides against the skull to create the movements that are needed during speech and eating. There are a number of conditions that may affect this joint and interfere with the performance of the two functions. These include painful chewing, deep joint pain and a locked jaw and so on. There are several modalities of TMJ treatment Atlanta patients need to know.
The cause of TMJ disorders is yet to be clearly established. However there are a number of theories that have been advanced. A shock absorbing disk found between the jaw bone and the skull may become displaced from its normal position and lead to wear and tear of the bones. The joint may also be damaged by inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis. For the more acute cases, blunt force trauma appears to be the main predisposing event.
TMJ problems are commoner in women than men. The incidence is particularly high among young adults aged 20 to 40 years but the reasons as to why this is so remain obscure. If you experience pain or discomfort when chewing, it is important that you visit a dentist so that the condition can be ruled out. The dentist will first take your medical history then conduct a physical examination. X-rays and CT scan images may also be needed.
The therapies for the condition are categorized into two types: conservative (non-surgical) and surgical. The commonest conservative option is the use of medical drugs. Many of these drugs are mainly supportive treatments and not a definitive solution. They include sedatives, muscle relaxants, antidepressant agents and pain relievers. Over the counter pain relievers are often sufficient but prescription analgesic agents may be needed on some occasions.
It is common for drugs to be combined with non-pharmacological therapies. Such will include, for example, the use of bite guards. Although the exact manner in which they work is not well understood, the guards have been shown to reduce teeth grinding resulting in reduced TMJ pain. Others include the use of physical therapies such as heat and cold therapies, jaw stretching and massage. Counseling is done for cases exacerbated by anxiety.
Surgery and other Invasive procedures are usually used only after the other options have been exhausted. Arthrocentesis is an invasive procedure in which a needle is used to aspirate inflammatory fluid and debris that may have accumulated within the joint space. After aspiration pressure within the joint reduces. Open surgical manipulation is needed if an obvious anatomical defect that can be corrected.
For the mild cases that are recurrent, self-help interventions can be undertaken. These include, for instance, the avoidance of activities that increase joint tension. Examples include teeth gnashing, clenching and excessive chewing of gum. With such interventions the severity of episodes as well as their frequency are markedly reduced. Diet softening may also help reduce the need for excessive chewing.
Complementary medicine modalities can be used alongside the mainstream therapies. Acupuncture, a minimally invasive therapy, is among the options that are available. In the therapy needles are stuck in predetermined regions of the body so as to restore a state of wellness. Breathing exercises may be effective in some of the cases. The breathing helps in muscle relaxation which in turn helps in symptomatic relief.
The cause of TMJ disorders is yet to be clearly established. However there are a number of theories that have been advanced. A shock absorbing disk found between the jaw bone and the skull may become displaced from its normal position and lead to wear and tear of the bones. The joint may also be damaged by inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis. For the more acute cases, blunt force trauma appears to be the main predisposing event.
TMJ problems are commoner in women than men. The incidence is particularly high among young adults aged 20 to 40 years but the reasons as to why this is so remain obscure. If you experience pain or discomfort when chewing, it is important that you visit a dentist so that the condition can be ruled out. The dentist will first take your medical history then conduct a physical examination. X-rays and CT scan images may also be needed.
The therapies for the condition are categorized into two types: conservative (non-surgical) and surgical. The commonest conservative option is the use of medical drugs. Many of these drugs are mainly supportive treatments and not a definitive solution. They include sedatives, muscle relaxants, antidepressant agents and pain relievers. Over the counter pain relievers are often sufficient but prescription analgesic agents may be needed on some occasions.
It is common for drugs to be combined with non-pharmacological therapies. Such will include, for example, the use of bite guards. Although the exact manner in which they work is not well understood, the guards have been shown to reduce teeth grinding resulting in reduced TMJ pain. Others include the use of physical therapies such as heat and cold therapies, jaw stretching and massage. Counseling is done for cases exacerbated by anxiety.
Surgery and other Invasive procedures are usually used only after the other options have been exhausted. Arthrocentesis is an invasive procedure in which a needle is used to aspirate inflammatory fluid and debris that may have accumulated within the joint space. After aspiration pressure within the joint reduces. Open surgical manipulation is needed if an obvious anatomical defect that can be corrected.
For the mild cases that are recurrent, self-help interventions can be undertaken. These include, for instance, the avoidance of activities that increase joint tension. Examples include teeth gnashing, clenching and excessive chewing of gum. With such interventions the severity of episodes as well as their frequency are markedly reduced. Diet softening may also help reduce the need for excessive chewing.
Complementary medicine modalities can be used alongside the mainstream therapies. Acupuncture, a minimally invasive therapy, is among the options that are available. In the therapy needles are stuck in predetermined regions of the body so as to restore a state of wellness. Breathing exercises may be effective in some of the cases. The breathing helps in muscle relaxation which in turn helps in symptomatic relief.
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