Basically, tmj or the temporomandibular joint is the joint on either side of your head and in front of your ears. These joints connects the mandible or the jawbone to your skull. TMJ can, however, rotate, move side to side, forward and backward. As a result, it is considered to be the most complex joint in the body. However, if you have a problem around this area tmj dentist Atlanta can offer much help.
The temporomandibular joint disorder is usually indicated by various symptoms and signs. These symptoms include tenderness and pain around or in the ear, the jaw joint as well as jaw muscles, temples or the face. Other symptoms include difficulties opening and closing the mouth, crunching, and popping. You may also have a grinding noise when yawning, chewing or opening the mouth. This disorder may also be linked with headaches and neck pain.
Usually, temporomandibular joint disorders arise due to factors like injuries in the jaw or any disease of the joints like arthritis. Nevertheless, the signs of the disorder may deteriorate because of straining in the neck muscles or in your head, grinding and clenching of teeth. Though not clearly proven if it is a cause or a resulting factor, stress may lead to this disorder. Other causative factors include certain habits that people develop; fingernail biting or application of full or partial dentures.
Generally, temporomandibular disorder patients may get over the disorder without treatment interventions. However, in Atlanta GA, this therapy helps relieve pain in the jaw muscles. For example applying massage to the jaw muscles carefully or placing a warm or cold compressor on the jaw. Certain lifestyle adjustments may be recommended to relax the joints. For example avoidance of habits like chewing gum and consuming soft food. It is advisable to eat smaller bits of food and get rid of hard sticky 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.
Your doctor may prescribe some medications like painkillers to relieve the pain related to the disorder. If the pain is not brought to a control by such painkillers, stronger medications like antidepressants and muscle relaxers may be prescribed. However, if the disorder is due to a disease like arthritis, steroid injections may be administered to help reduce the swelling and pain in the joint or the soft tissue around the area.
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.
The temporomandibular joint disorder is usually indicated by various symptoms and signs. These symptoms include tenderness and pain around or in the ear, the jaw joint as well as jaw muscles, temples or the face. Other symptoms include difficulties opening and closing the mouth, crunching, and popping. You may also have a grinding noise when yawning, chewing or opening the mouth. This disorder may also be linked with headaches and neck pain.
Usually, temporomandibular joint disorders arise due to factors like injuries in the jaw or any disease of the joints like arthritis. Nevertheless, the signs of the disorder may deteriorate because of straining in the neck muscles or in your head, grinding and clenching of teeth. Though not clearly proven if it is a cause or a resulting factor, stress may lead to this disorder. Other causative factors include certain habits that people develop; fingernail biting or application of full or partial dentures.
Generally, temporomandibular disorder patients may get over the disorder without treatment interventions. However, in Atlanta GA, this therapy helps relieve pain in the jaw muscles. For example applying massage to the jaw muscles carefully or placing a warm or cold compressor on the jaw. Certain lifestyle adjustments may be recommended to relax the joints. For example avoidance of habits like chewing gum and consuming soft food. It is advisable to eat smaller bits of food and get rid of hard sticky 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.
Your doctor may prescribe some medications like painkillers to relieve the pain related to the disorder. If the pain is not brought to a control by such painkillers, stronger medications like antidepressants and muscle relaxers may be prescribed. However, if the disorder is due to a disease like arthritis, steroid injections may be administered to help reduce the swelling and pain in the joint or the soft tissue around the area.
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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