The temporomandibular joint, which connects the jaw to the skull, is a joint affected by temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Your jaw may move up, down, side to side, and back and forth thanks to a complicated joint. When this joint has a problem, it can lead to a TMJ condition, which causes pain and discomfort in the jaw, face, and neck. It is now possible to get TMJ treatment near you. But first, let’s discuss the details of TMJ disorder.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder symptoms might differ from person to person, but typical symptoms include the following:
- Having jaw discomfort or tenderness
- Experiencing ear, facial, or neck pain
- While opening or closing the mouth, there are clicking or popping noises.
- Having trouble opening or closing your mouth
- Muscle aches or stiffness in the jaw
- Migraines or headaches
- Tooth sensitivity or pain
- Both or one of the sides of the face may swell.
Causes of TMJ Disorder
There are many possible causes of TMJ disorder, including:
- Trauma or injury to the jaw or temporomandibular joint
- Arthritis or other joint conditions
- Teeth are grinding or clenching.
- Poor posture or body mechanics
- Stress or anxiety
- Misaligned teeth or bite
- Tumour or growth in the joint
Prevention of TMJ
Although TMJ disorder cannot always be prevented, there are several measures you may take to lower your susceptibility, such as:
- Maintaining proper body mechanics and posture
- Using relaxation methods or therapy to reduce stress
- Avoiding practices like chewing gum or biting your nails that put stress on the jaw muscles
- Use a mouth guard if you tend to grind your teeth at sleep.
- Seeking immediate care for any jaw or dental issues
Treatment of TMJ
You could still experience TMJ dysfunction despite taking all the preventive measures. It is treated, even though it can be overwhelming and protracted.
Temporomandibular joint disease, or TMJ condition, can lead to pain and discomfort in the jaw, face, and neck. Depending on the severity of the condition and the underlying reason, there are various therapy options for TMJ issues.
A TMJ specialist may employ a variety of methods to reduce your discomfort.
Here are a few typical TMJ condition treatments:
Self-Care
Before opting to see our dentist in St. Albert, you can attempt several at-home self-care methods to help relieve the signs and symptoms of TMJ Disorder, such as:
- Soft meals: Consume soft meals to ease the stress on your jaw’s joints and muscles.
- Use of heat or cold therapy: This might aid in reducing inflammation and relieving pain in the affected area.
- Use relaxing methods: Stress and anxiety can make TMJ condition symptoms worse. Relaxation methods like deep breathing or meditation help you release stress and tension.
- Avoid jaw-straining behaviours like chewing gum or biting your nails.
Medicines
TMJ disorder pains can be eased with the help of medications. They can be purchased over the counter or on a dentist’s prescription. Among them are:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs can treat pain and inflammation caused due to TMJ.
- Muscle relaxants: Muscle relaxant medications can help relieve jaw muscle spasms and pain.
- Tricyclic antidepressants: Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that can improve sleep and ease pain.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can increase the jaw’s range of motion and relieve the pain associated with TMJ disorders. Physiotherapists might use one or all of the following methods to treat TMJ problems:
- Jaw-related exercises: The muscles around the jaw can get more robust and more flexible with jaw workouts.
- Massage: Massage relaxes stiff muscles and improves blood circulation to an afflicted area.
- Ultrasound therapy: When applied to a place that has been hurt, ultrasound therapy can help to reduce swelling and hasten recovery.
Dental Treatments
Dental treatments can correct dental or bite abnormalities that may contribute to TMJ problems. Dentists usually use the following procedures to treat TMJ problems:
- Bite modifications: By altering your bite, you can improve dental alignment and put less stress on the joints and muscles in your jaw.
- Orthodontics: Orthodontics can straighten teeth and improve the bite.
- Dental devices: Splints or mouthguards can assist in stopping teeth clenching and grinding, which can exacerbate the symptoms of TMJ condition.
Surgery
Surgery is often reserved for severe TMJ problems that have not responded to other therapies. Typical surgical procedures for the treatment of TMJ problems include the following:
- Arthrocentesis: Arthrocentesis is a minimally invasive procedure in which a needle removes fluid from the joint.
- Arthroscopy: Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small camera and surgical instruments to heal joint damage.
- Open joint surgery is a more invasive procedure where damaged joint tissue is repaired or replaced. A larger incision is made in this procedure.
Although TMJ problems can be uncomfortable and painful, they are treated in numerous ways. Make an appointment with a doctor when you notice any TMJ problem symptoms to receive an appropriate diagnosis and course of therapy. Many people with TMJ issues can reduce symptoms and enhance their quality of life with proper care.
What Happens If You Leave TMJ Untreated?
The following more severe problems may arise from untreated TMJ disorders:
- Teeth grinding (bruxism): It can be caused by temporomandibular joint dysfunction and can wear down the enamel, increase sensitivity to hot and cold, and cause discomfort in the teeth
- Arthritis: TMJ may develop arthritis if it is not treated, which can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joint.
- Malocclusion: TMJ dysfunction can make your bite out of alignment, which can cause issues with how your teeth fit together.
- Chronic pain: Persistent discomfort can lower your quality of life and be brought on by TMJ dysfunction.
TMJ Specialist in St. Albert
Are you looking for TMJ disorder treatment? Our dentist near you in St. Albert offers various therapies to help ease your pain and discomfort. If you feel you’re having the symptoms of TMJ, consult with our dentist at Dentus Family Dental today!