The temporomandibular joint or TMJ is the joint that connects the jaw bone (mandible) to the skull. It functions as a sliding hinge to facilitate the movements required during feeding and talking. There are a number of TMJ disorders that may make you need the services of a dentist. They include pain of the jaw, discomfort while chewing, facial pain, and a locked jaw among others. There are a number of things on TMJ treatment Atlanta patients need to know.
While the cause is not usually known for most cases, one of several events are usually suspected. One of these events is erosion of the joint by the shock absorbing disk or displacement from its natural position. Pain within the joint may also be seen when the cartilage is damaged by inflammatory processes such as arthritis. The third event is the effect of trauma by a blunt force to the jawbone.
Most of the cases that are seen in medical and dental clinics affect women in the 20 to 40 year age bracket but the conditions may be seen at any age. When one visits their primary doctor or dentist, a history focusing on the onset and duration of symptoms, similar complaints in the past and the presence or absence of psychological stress is taken. A physical exam will be conducted followed by radiological imaging studies of the joint.
The treatments that are used in managing this group of conditions are divided into two large categories: surgical and non-surgical options. Drugs are perhaps the most important non-surgical option. Those that are used here include analgesics, antidepressants, muscle relaxants and sedatives. Over the counter analgesic agents are usually effective for pain control but stronger drugs (such as opioids) may be needed in a few cases.
There are several non-pharmacological options that may be used on their own or together with the pharmacological agents. Bite guards have been helpful in many cases but the exact mechanism that is involved has been unclear. Physical therapy is another important type of treatment under this category. The main types of physical therapy include heat and cold compression, stretching and massage. Counseling is frequently offered to persons who have depression or anxiety disorders.
Surgery and other invasive options are only considered if the conservative methods prove ineffective. One of the minimally invasive procedures that can be performed is known as arthrocentesis. In this procedure, needles are inserted into the joint so as to aspirate any debris or inflammatory products within the joint space. The joint may be opened surgically if a structural problem is suspected.
For mild cases or those that are recurrent, some self-help remedies will help reduce the number of episodes or the severity of symptoms. One of the measures that can be undertaken is the avoidance of tension related habits. Such include frequent teeth clenching, teeth grinding and chewing of gum and pencils. Making the diet softer reduces the work done by the jaw which in turn reduces the probability of suffering from these problems.
Several complementary medicine options have been attempted for this problem with varying success rates. Acupuncture is one of those that are widely used. In this technique, inserting fine needles in predetermined parts of the body is believed to help restore the normal flow of life energy, qi, in diseased organs. Another method that is also said to be highly successful is controlled breathing. This option achieves its effects by helping relax the muscles around the joint.
While the cause is not usually known for most cases, one of several events are usually suspected. One of these events is erosion of the joint by the shock absorbing disk or displacement from its natural position. Pain within the joint may also be seen when the cartilage is damaged by inflammatory processes such as arthritis. The third event is the effect of trauma by a blunt force to the jawbone.
Most of the cases that are seen in medical and dental clinics affect women in the 20 to 40 year age bracket but the conditions may be seen at any age. When one visits their primary doctor or dentist, a history focusing on the onset and duration of symptoms, similar complaints in the past and the presence or absence of psychological stress is taken. A physical exam will be conducted followed by radiological imaging studies of the joint.
The treatments that are used in managing this group of conditions are divided into two large categories: surgical and non-surgical options. Drugs are perhaps the most important non-surgical option. Those that are used here include analgesics, antidepressants, muscle relaxants and sedatives. Over the counter analgesic agents are usually effective for pain control but stronger drugs (such as opioids) may be needed in a few cases.
There are several non-pharmacological options that may be used on their own or together with the pharmacological agents. Bite guards have been helpful in many cases but the exact mechanism that is involved has been unclear. Physical therapy is another important type of treatment under this category. The main types of physical therapy include heat and cold compression, stretching and massage. Counseling is frequently offered to persons who have depression or anxiety disorders.
Surgery and other invasive options are only considered if the conservative methods prove ineffective. One of the minimally invasive procedures that can be performed is known as arthrocentesis. In this procedure, needles are inserted into the joint so as to aspirate any debris or inflammatory products within the joint space. The joint may be opened surgically if a structural problem is suspected.
For mild cases or those that are recurrent, some self-help remedies will help reduce the number of episodes or the severity of symptoms. One of the measures that can be undertaken is the avoidance of tension related habits. Such include frequent teeth clenching, teeth grinding and chewing of gum and pencils. Making the diet softer reduces the work done by the jaw which in turn reduces the probability of suffering from these problems.
Several complementary medicine options have been attempted for this problem with varying success rates. Acupuncture is one of those that are widely used. In this technique, inserting fine needles in predetermined parts of the body is believed to help restore the normal flow of life energy, qi, in diseased organs. Another method that is also said to be highly successful is controlled breathing. This option achieves its effects by helping relax the muscles around the joint.
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