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Overview Of TMJ

The temporomadibular joint (TMJ) is the joint connecting jawbone to the skull. It is placed in the front of the ear on the either side of the head. Any discomfort can cause severe pain.

Its significance is that; it allows smooth, painless movement, and cushions the bones hence enabling to chew and making different facial expressions.

Signs That You’re Having TMG Disorder:

  • Chronic pain or any other types of discomfort in your jaw.
  • Jaw clacking and popping.
  • Tremendous ear pain.
  • Patient can hear popping sounds in the ear.
  • Temple area may start to pain.
  • Locking of jaw joint and causing headache.
  • Muscle pains especially the jaw muscles.

If the pain is intense after you wake up from sleep, it could be symptom of teeth clenching, or teeth grinding; this can create muscle pain the gum. But this can be prevented if you wear occlusal night guard, which is used in the mouth to prevent clenching and grinding.

TMJ Symptoms Can Be Classified Into Three Sub Categories:

  • Myofacial pain, here the muscles which involves in mastication gets affected.
  • Internal derangement of the joint in which abnormal displacement of the disc can cause tremendous pain.
  • Joint diseases or Osteoarthritis

If the pain can be classified then it will help doctors to provide effective treatment. Dentists are trained in neuromuscular dentistry, primary care physicians, and otolaryngologists.

What Can Cause TMG Disorder?

There can be so many factors that can stiffen your jaw muscles and you can feel the pain:

  • Poor posture.
  • Misalignment or disturbance to teeth or jaw.
  • Stress and depression.
  • Excessive chewing of gums.
  • Braces and
  • Musculoskeletal disorder.

How Are TMJ Disorder Treated?

TMJ arthroscopy is used at times to diagnose TMJ disorder. A small thin tube is inserted inside the joint space, along with small camera to get a proper view of the area of the portion and treat accordingly.

Sometimes the pain goes away without treatment, but if it persist then certain options needs to be adopted.

Pain relievers and anti inflammatory– Non- steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) are used to treat the pain.

Muscle relaxants– This is used for several months to heal the pain who are suffering from TMJ disorder.

Experts strongly recommend for conservative and reversible treatment.

Conservative treatment is the way you stay conscious so that the pain does not get worse.

  • Avoiding extreme jaw movements, relaxing and reducing stress.
  • Eating soft foods.
  • Applying ice packs.
  • Practicing stretching and relaxing exercise that may reduce the stiffness in your jaw.

Other types of treatment like surgery can be an effective for treating TMJ disorder. Not always you need surgery but if it becomes necessary then doctor will prescribe you.

Implants – Surgical implants by placing artificial implants can cause damage. This is not at all a very good idea, so try to avoid it.

If the pain gets too intense try not to leave it like that, instead come and fix an appointment with Affordable Dentist near Me, Fort Worth.

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