TMJ is the abbreviated form of the word temporomandibular joint. By definition, temporomandibular joint refers to the joint that connects the temporal bones of the skull and the jaw. When there is a medical condition affecting these joint, the medical problem is referred to as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). When in need of the best specialists in TMJ treatment Atlanta is the most recommendable location to check out.
TMD is associated with a wide range of symptoms and signs. Several other medical conditions also present symptoms that are very close in resemblance to TMD. This fact can sometimes render it difficult to tell exactly if the problem one has is TMD. However, various diagnostic tests have been developed that can give precise results. A dentist can give a precise diagnosis of the problem.
Some of the most common symptoms of TMD are pain felt in the face, ear area, or jaws, headaches, earaches, and pressure coupled with pain behind the eyes. The headaches mimic migraines in most cases. Other symptoms include swollen face, tender jaw muscles, sticking jaws, and clicking sounds when one opens the mouth. Several other symptoms may also present at different levels of development of the condition.
No single cure for TMD exists. Management of the condition can be done by applying various treatments. Most treatments will reduce the symptoms a lot. Many people only experience temporary symptoms that never get worse of serious. Often they last for some time, but then they go away or get better on their own or after applying some treatment. It is important to know that the symptoms can return without warning.
There are different kinds of treatment that one can use. The first approach to alleviating symptoms is to start using a diet comprised of soft foods immediately one realizes that they have TMD. Soft food does not strain the jaws, allowing them time to rest and heal. The food should be easy to chew and should be cut into small pieces. Examples of foods to eat include yoghurt, grains, soup, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, beans, scrambled eggs, and fish among others.
Another option that works well for some people includes exercising jaws, and applying moist heat and ice packs. This begins by applying moist heat to relax muscles that have tightened so that they cause spasms. This application should continue for ten minutes. After this, the jaws are exercised in various ways. Better ways of exercising jaws can be got from dentists.
After exercising the jaws, the routine should be concluded by applying ice packs to the jaws and tempo. This routine will also need to be done many times in a day. One may need to continue doing this for several days or weeks for the problem to go away. If the condition does not seem to improve, it is advisable to seek medical attention.
TMD and related medical conditions are a field of specialty for dentists. They prescribe medication and perform surgery when the conditions allow. They also offer referrals to physical therapists for those in need of exercise to the jaws. Surgery is usually the last option if all other options fail.
TMD is associated with a wide range of symptoms and signs. Several other medical conditions also present symptoms that are very close in resemblance to TMD. This fact can sometimes render it difficult to tell exactly if the problem one has is TMD. However, various diagnostic tests have been developed that can give precise results. A dentist can give a precise diagnosis of the problem.
Some of the most common symptoms of TMD are pain felt in the face, ear area, or jaws, headaches, earaches, and pressure coupled with pain behind the eyes. The headaches mimic migraines in most cases. Other symptoms include swollen face, tender jaw muscles, sticking jaws, and clicking sounds when one opens the mouth. Several other symptoms may also present at different levels of development of the condition.
No single cure for TMD exists. Management of the condition can be done by applying various treatments. Most treatments will reduce the symptoms a lot. Many people only experience temporary symptoms that never get worse of serious. Often they last for some time, but then they go away or get better on their own or after applying some treatment. It is important to know that the symptoms can return without warning.
There are different kinds of treatment that one can use. The first approach to alleviating symptoms is to start using a diet comprised of soft foods immediately one realizes that they have TMD. Soft food does not strain the jaws, allowing them time to rest and heal. The food should be easy to chew and should be cut into small pieces. Examples of foods to eat include yoghurt, grains, soup, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, beans, scrambled eggs, and fish among others.
Another option that works well for some people includes exercising jaws, and applying moist heat and ice packs. This begins by applying moist heat to relax muscles that have tightened so that they cause spasms. This application should continue for ten minutes. After this, the jaws are exercised in various ways. Better ways of exercising jaws can be got from dentists.
After exercising the jaws, the routine should be concluded by applying ice packs to the jaws and tempo. This routine will also need to be done many times in a day. One may need to continue doing this for several days or weeks for the problem to go away. If the condition does not seem to improve, it is advisable to seek medical attention.
TMD and related medical conditions are a field of specialty for dentists. They prescribe medication and perform surgery when the conditions allow. They also offer referrals to physical therapists for those in need of exercise to the jaws. Surgery is usually the last option if all other options fail.
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