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.
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.
In most cases, the disorders of temporomandibular joint are often caused by different factors like jaw injuries and diseases in the joint such as arthritis. The symptoms can, however, worsen because of teeth grinding and clenching as well as tension in the neck muscles and the head. Stress can also be a cause but it not yet clear whether it is a result of the disorder or a cause. Other causes may include habits like biting pens and fingernails, and partial or full denture that are not a good fit.
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.
In case you have of grinding of teeth, mouth guards are recommended. A mouth guard is a plastic object which fits over your teeth. It helps to engulf the teeth hence reducing grinding and clenching of teeth. The dentist may assist you on the best one for you.
The doctor can, however, prescribe some medications such as painkillers to ease the pain of this disorder. If your pain does not lessen after taking painkillers, stronger medications such as muscle relaxers and antidepressants can be recommended. If the condition is caused by disease such as arthritis, steroid injections can be given to help reduce pain and swelling to the soft tissue and the area around the joint.
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.
Generally, most cases of the temporomandibular joint disorder get better over time. In most cases, patients will not even require a surgical procedure for the treatment. Although it is usually not a serious medical condition, it may significantly affect your quality of 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.
In most cases, the disorders of temporomandibular joint are often caused by different factors like jaw injuries and diseases in the joint such as arthritis. The symptoms can, however, worsen because of teeth grinding and clenching as well as tension in the neck muscles and the head. Stress can also be a cause but it not yet clear whether it is a result of the disorder or a cause. Other causes may include habits like biting pens and fingernails, and partial or full denture that are not a good fit.
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.
In case you have of grinding of teeth, mouth guards are recommended. A mouth guard is a plastic object which fits over your teeth. It helps to engulf the teeth hence reducing grinding and clenching of teeth. The dentist may assist you on the best one for you.
The doctor can, however, prescribe some medications such as painkillers to ease the pain of this disorder. If your pain does not lessen after taking painkillers, stronger medications such as muscle relaxers and antidepressants can be recommended. If the condition is caused by disease such as arthritis, steroid injections can be given to help reduce pain and swelling to the soft tissue and the area around the joint.
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.
Generally, most cases of the temporomandibular joint disorder get better over time. In most cases, patients will not even require a surgical procedure for the treatment. Although it is usually not a serious medical condition, it may significantly affect your quality of life.
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