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.
Mostly, the disorders in the temporomandibular joint are caused by various factors such as jaw injuries as well as a joint disease like arthritis. However, the symptoms may worsen due to tooth grinding or clenching and tension in the head or neck muscles. Also, stress is a likely cause although it is still not clear if it is a cause or a result of this disorder. Other causes are such as full or partial dentures which are not a right fit and habits like pen and fingernail biting.
Normally, patients suffering from temporomandibular disorders usually feel better even without treatment. In Atlanta GA, however, some therapies can help ease the sore jaw muscles. For instance, you can place a warm or cold compress to the jaw or massaging the jaw muscles gently. You can also observe some lifestyle changes by resting the joints by avoiding the likes of chewing gum and eating soft foods. You can also take smaller pieces of food while avoiding chewy, hard, and stick foods.
For grinding teeth, mouth guards could be of great help. They are plastic devices that fit over your teeth. These mouth guards help in covering the teeth hence reducing grinding and clenching of teeth. A dentist can help get the device that is a right fit for you.
The dentist may give you prescriptions on medicines like painkillers that help ease the pain that comes with the disorder. If the painkillers do not relieve the pain, more effective medication may be prescribed. For example, antidepressants and muscle relaxers. Steroid injections too are administered in the case where the disease has been caused by arthritis to relieve swellings and pain.
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.
Mostly, the disorders in the temporomandibular joint are caused by various factors such as jaw injuries as well as a joint disease like arthritis. However, the symptoms may worsen due to tooth grinding or clenching and tension in the head or neck muscles. Also, stress is a likely cause although it is still not clear if it is a cause or a result of this disorder. Other causes are such as full or partial dentures which are not a right fit and habits like pen and fingernail biting.
Normally, patients suffering from temporomandibular disorders usually feel better even without treatment. In Atlanta GA, however, some therapies can help ease the sore jaw muscles. For instance, you can place a warm or cold compress to the jaw or massaging the jaw muscles gently. You can also observe some lifestyle changes by resting the joints by avoiding the likes of chewing gum and eating soft foods. You can also take smaller pieces of food while avoiding chewy, hard, and stick foods.
For grinding teeth, mouth guards could be of great help. They are plastic devices that fit over your teeth. These mouth guards help in covering the teeth hence reducing grinding and clenching of teeth. A dentist can help get the device that is a right fit for you.
The dentist may give you prescriptions on medicines like painkillers that help ease the pain that comes with the disorder. If the painkillers do not relieve the pain, more effective medication may be prescribed. For example, antidepressants and muscle relaxers. Steroid injections too are administered in the case where the disease has been caused by arthritis to relieve swellings and pain.
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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