The TMJ or temporomandibular joint is the joint as well as the jaw muscle which help when closing or opening your mouth. These joints are normally on either side of the head, and they normally work together when swallowing, speaking, and chewing. On the other hand, these joints control the mandible when moving forward and backwards. Nevertheless, a person suffering from this disorder should see tmj dentist Atlanta.
A temporomandibular joint usually have discs that lies between the socket and ball. The discs usually cushion the load thereby helping the jaw to rotate and open widely. However, if a problem is preventing these complex system made of discs, ligaments, bones, and muscles from working efficiently, the temporomandibular joints disorder arises which is usually painful.
This disorder is usually caused by various causes such as arthritis, dislocation, jaw and tooth alignment, and teeth stress and grinding. During treatment, it is essential to have proper diagnosis so as to know the exact problem before the treatment. An examination with your dentist will often include looking at the joints and the muscles for tenderness, clicking and difficulty moving. Once the diagnosis have been done, a dentist may refer you to a physician or a specialist dentist.
The TMJ disorder is usually characterized by various symptoms that indicate you are having the disorder. For example, you could have clicking, grating or popping noises while moving your mouth or chewing. At the same time, you may have feel pain around the jaw as well as in front of your ears. An individual can also have difficulty when he or she opens the mouth because the jaw feels tight which create difficulty when eating. The other symptoms are such as headaches or migraines, blocked sensations in the ear and painful back or neck.
In Atlanta GA, the treatment of this disorder begins by visiting a dentist or a GP for diagnosis as well as discuss the ideal treatment options. First, non-surgical treatment options are tried first such as self-physiotherapy treatments and lifestyle changes. However, if the disorder is more severe, the patient may be referred for further treatment options to maxillofacial and oral surgeon.
Self-physiotherapy and lifestyle changes that would help enhance the disorder are such as resting the joint through consumption of soft foods and avoiding chewing gums. Also, the patient can hold warm or a cold funnel for 20 minutes or so to the jaw several times every day. Massage is also important for the muscles of the joints as well as self-relaxation techniques that help relieve pain.
Medications like the painkillers may also help relieve pain caused by this disorder. If such medications are not effective, stronger ones may be recommended such as muscle relaxant and the antidepressants. In case the disorder is due to a disease like the arthritis, steroid injections could be used to reduce joint pain and swelling.
Nevertheless, when the mentioned treatment options are not effective, specialists may recommend you get a surgical treatment. Such treatment is usually recommended when the problem is TMJ and not chewing muscle problem. However, only few people get total joint replacement.
A temporomandibular joint usually have discs that lies between the socket and ball. The discs usually cushion the load thereby helping the jaw to rotate and open widely. However, if a problem is preventing these complex system made of discs, ligaments, bones, and muscles from working efficiently, the temporomandibular joints disorder arises which is usually painful.
This disorder is usually caused by various causes such as arthritis, dislocation, jaw and tooth alignment, and teeth stress and grinding. During treatment, it is essential to have proper diagnosis so as to know the exact problem before the treatment. An examination with your dentist will often include looking at the joints and the muscles for tenderness, clicking and difficulty moving. Once the diagnosis have been done, a dentist may refer you to a physician or a specialist dentist.
The TMJ disorder is usually characterized by various symptoms that indicate you are having the disorder. For example, you could have clicking, grating or popping noises while moving your mouth or chewing. At the same time, you may have feel pain around the jaw as well as in front of your ears. An individual can also have difficulty when he or she opens the mouth because the jaw feels tight which create difficulty when eating. The other symptoms are such as headaches or migraines, blocked sensations in the ear and painful back or neck.
In Atlanta GA, the treatment of this disorder begins by visiting a dentist or a GP for diagnosis as well as discuss the ideal treatment options. First, non-surgical treatment options are tried first such as self-physiotherapy treatments and lifestyle changes. However, if the disorder is more severe, the patient may be referred for further treatment options to maxillofacial and oral surgeon.
Self-physiotherapy and lifestyle changes that would help enhance the disorder are such as resting the joint through consumption of soft foods and avoiding chewing gums. Also, the patient can hold warm or a cold funnel for 20 minutes or so to the jaw several times every day. Massage is also important for the muscles of the joints as well as self-relaxation techniques that help relieve pain.
Medications like the painkillers may also help relieve pain caused by this disorder. If such medications are not effective, stronger ones may be recommended such as muscle relaxant and the antidepressants. In case the disorder is due to a disease like the arthritis, steroid injections could be used to reduce joint pain and swelling.
Nevertheless, when the mentioned treatment options are not effective, specialists may recommend you get a surgical treatment. Such treatment is usually recommended when the problem is TMJ and not chewing muscle problem. However, only few people get total joint replacement.
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