What Is Tmj Treatment?
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your lower jawbone to your skull. That connection is at the sides of your head, just underneath your ears.
Normally, you don’t think about these joints, but if one or both start causing you pain or forcing you to limit your jaw movement, seek TMJ treatment from Stamford Dental Arts. Your dentist can resolve the issue and give you advice so it doesn’t return. Call for an appointment today.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction involves the joint that attaches the mandible to the temporal bones at each side of your head. The temporomandibular joints, along with the surrounding muscles, give you the ability to chew your food, talk, and even yawn. When the joints don’t work properly, you experience symptoms such as:
- Tenderness in your jaw, which may be accompanied by severe jaw pain
- Stiffness of the jaw muscles
- Painful popping or clicking sounds each time your mouth opens or closes
- Pain on one side or both sides of your head
- Difficulty opening and closing your mouth
- Swelling in your face and jaw area
- Difficulty chewing food since your mouth doesn’t work properly
- Severe shooting headaches that resemble migraines
Treatment for TMJ dysfunction may be required when you experience symptoms severely enough. If you ever feel extreme pain in the joints and muscles on either side of your jaw, call on your dentist as soon as you can.
Seeking Treatment for TMJ
Pinpointing the origin of your pain can be difficult, as there are often several reasons for a case of TMJ dysfunction to act up. While the condition can affect anyone, it surfaces more frequently in women than in men. The latest research indicates that certain hormonal fluctuations in women can create functional problems with the temporomandibular joint.
Our dental center is well equipped and expertly staffed to correctly diagnose TMJ dysfunction and prescribe TMJ treatment. Whatever the reason for your TMJ pain, the experienced dentist takes effective action to diminish your pain and address the source. Don’t hesitate to visit your family dentist, since jaw pain can spread to your face, your ears, and even your eyes.
Causes of TMJ Dysfunction
TMJ pain can come from a specific incident or from long-term wear and tear. For younger adults, TMJ is usually due to overuse and stress on the jaw muscle because of teeth grinding or jaw clenching. Sleep apnea sufferers also can experience TMJ for the same reason, resulting in muscle spasms in the jaw area.
For older people, the condition is usually linked to the breakdown of the joint muscle and cartilage due to rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Both of these diseases can weaken the jawbone, making you susceptible to fractures at the slightest trauma or accident. You can also suffer from jaw pain if your dentures or denture implants don’t fit you properly. Other causes for TMJ include:
- Sports-related injuries where your jaw was directly hit
- Injuries you get from accidents such as a car crash or bad fall
- A misalignment of teeth, causing stress to your jaw whenever you chew
- Tooth decay or a tooth infection that results in pulpitis or periodontitis
I was very impressed on how this office has such advanced technology compared to the other office I used to visit. Laura was very great and helped me with every question I had. John, the assistant, was great and asked me questions to help make my stay even more enjoyable and make me less nervous. I will definitely recommend this office to all my friends.
How TMJ Treatment Works
The goal of your TMJ specialist is to keep your jaw loose, protect your teeth and address the physical and psychological causes of your condition. If the pain is mild, your initial TMJ treatment may simply involve applying heat or ice to help relax your jaw muscles. You can also take over-the-counter non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like aspirin or ibuprofen, if your dentist recommends it, to help alleviate any pain and swelling.
When you get a diagnosis of TMJ dysfunction, listen to your dentist’s recommendations. If you’re in the habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, you may have bruxism. Your dentist may suggest a mouth guard or dental splints to prevent the upper and lower teeth from coming in contact. Prescription muscle relaxants help loosen tight jaw muscles. Your dental specialist in Stamford may talk to you about relaxation techniques to help cope with the stress that triggers your grinding and clenching.
More TMJ Treatments
At Stamford Dental Arts, your top dental specialist has the latest tools and techniques to return your jaw to normal functioning and minimize the chances of a repeat occurrence. Other TMJ treatment recommendations that help eliminate your pain include:
- Invisalign teeth straightening for misaligned teeth
- Tooth extraction and replacement with a dental bridge or a dental implant
- Eating soft foods that don’t require much chewing, which allows your jaws to heal
- Avoiding hard, crunchy or chewy foods
- Cutting your food into smaller, more manageable pieces, which minimizes chewing
Oral surgery is possible, but it’s always the last resort that your dentist in Stamford recommends. No matter what the cause or what your need, you can trust the dentists at Stamford Dental Arts to make a correct diagnosis and offer the most appropriate TMJ treatment for your particular condition. Contact us today to schedule an examination.
call
S.D.A
(203) 504-8745
Request Appointment