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.
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.
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.
Mouth guards can also be helpful for grinding teeth. This is usually a plastic device which fit over the teeth. The mouth guard helps to cover the teeth thereby reducing clenching and grinding of your teeth. Your dentist can help get the right device 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.
If all the above treatment plans do not provide the intended result, surgical treatment can be an option. However, if there are some abnormalities in the joint, open surgery may be considered. When the symptoms are severe, long-lasting, and causing the jaw not to function well, total replacement of your joint may be recommended although this only happens in extremely 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.
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.
Mouth guards can also be helpful for grinding teeth. This is usually a plastic device which fit over the teeth. The mouth guard helps to cover the teeth thereby reducing clenching and grinding of your teeth. Your dentist can help get the right device 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.
If all the above treatment plans do not provide the intended result, surgical treatment can be an option. However, if there are some abnormalities in the joint, open surgery may be considered. When the symptoms are severe, long-lasting, and causing the jaw not to function well, total replacement of your joint may be recommended although this only happens in extremely 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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