Types of Treatment for TMJ Disorders
Headaches are common occurrences often blamed on stress and usually ignored. However, when persistent headaches are accompanied by pain in the jaw, face and ears, it is possible that a more serious condition exists. TMJ disorders (TMD) are conditions that affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is located where the jaw meets the skull on both sides of the face and allows you to chew and talk. Symptoms of TMJ disorders can include, but are not limited to: headaches, facial pain, tender jaw muscles, uncomfortable bite, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, jaw popping or clicking, ringing or fullness in the ear, or pressure behind the eyes.
Visit your dentist if you are continually experiencing these symptoms. Your dentist can go over the causes and possible treatment options that will work best for you. Milder cases of TMD might be treated with medication, therapy or even self-remedies, while more severe cases could require dental procedures to be preformed including orthodontics.
Medications and Therapy:
To treat the pain associated with TMJ disorders, your doctor or dentist may recommend taking medications such as muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatories. A bite guard might also help relieve pain if you have a habit of grinding your teeth. A custom made guard fabricated in the mouth can change the way the jaw moves and functions providing a better bite and more stable jaw relationship which can assist in healing. After healing occurs it can then be used as a diagnostic tool to determine how to address the necessary changes for better tooth and jaw positioning. Sessions with a psychotherapist can sometimes help relieve any pain and stress related to the disorder and everyday life through relaxation techniques and stress management.
Self-Remedies:
While they may not be permanent solutions to the pain and discomfort, simple, at-home remedies can provide temporary relief for TMJ symptoms. Some practices include: eating soft foods cut into smaller pieces, avoiding sticky or chewy foods, stretching and massaging your jaw, or applying heat and cold to the side of the face.
Surgery:
Because of the risk involved with any surgery, TMJ surgery is often a last resort considered after all other treatments have proved unsuccessful. There are several types of TMJ surgery if the disorder is so severe that the joint cannot be repaired, but again are rarely indicated.
Whether you simply need temporary relief for your TMJ disorder or your condition is seriously disrupting your day-to-day life, it is important to discuss all of the available options with your dentist.
About the Author:
Dr. Todd Snyder writes for Aesthetic Dental Designs (http://www.aestheticdentaldesigns.net), a Laguna Niguel cosmetic dentist offering a variety of dentistry procedures, including general dentistry, treatments for Orange County TMJ, TMD, and more.
Article Marketing
7 people like this article
