The TMJ or temporomandibular joint is the joint as well as the jaw muscle which help when closing or opening your mouth. These joints are normally on either side of the head, and they normally work together when swallowing, speaking, and chewing. On the other hand, these joints control the mandible when moving forward and backwards. Nevertheless, a person suffering from this disorder should see tmj dentist Atlanta.
The temporomandibular joints normally have discs in between the ball and the socket. These discs normally cushion the loads and help the jaw to open widely and rotate. Nevertheless, when there is a problem that prevents the complex system of the muscles, ligaments, discs, and bone from working properly, a temporomandibular joint disorder that is usually painful may arise.
The causes of this disorder are such as dislocation, injury, arthritis, stress and teeth grinding, and tooth and jaw alignment. During treatment, proper diagnosis is usually important to know the cause of the problem before treatment. A dental examination will include checking the muscles and the joints for tenderness, difficulty moving, and clicking. After the diagnosis, the dentist may recommend you see a physician or another specialist dentist.
Generally, there are symptom that indicates you could be having the TMJ disorder. For instance, popping, clicking or grating noises while chewing or moving your mouth is a sign of this disorder. Also, painful feeling around the jaw and in front of the ears is also an indication of this disorder. A person may also experience difficulty when opening the mouth as the jaw feels tight making it difficult to eat. Other symptoms are such as migraine or headache, blocked sensations in your ear, and painful neck or back.
The treatment this problem in Atlanta GA starts by visiting a GP or a dentist to have the problem diagnosed and to discuss the suitable treatment option. To begin with, non-surgical treatments are tried first such as lifestyle changes and self-physiotherapy. If, however, the disorder is severe, the patient can be referred to have further treatment to oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Self-physiotherapy and lifestyle changes that would help enhance the disorder are such as resting the joint through consumption of soft foods and avoiding chewing gums. Also, the patient can hold warm or a cold funnel for 20 minutes or so to the jaw several times every day. Massage is also important for the muscles of the joints as well as self-relaxation techniques that help relieve pain.
Medications such as painkillers like paracetamol may help relieve such pain arise from this disorder. If such medications do not control the pain, stronger medication may be recommended such as antidepressant or the muscle relaxant. When the disorder is due to a disease like arthritis, steroid injections can help reduce swelling and pain in the joint.
Nevertheless, when the mentioned treatment options are not effective, specialists may recommend you get a surgical treatment. Such treatment is usually recommended when the problem is TMJ and not chewing muscle problem. However, only few people get total joint replacement.
The temporomandibular joints normally have discs in between the ball and the socket. These discs normally cushion the loads and help the jaw to open widely and rotate. Nevertheless, when there is a problem that prevents the complex system of the muscles, ligaments, discs, and bone from working properly, a temporomandibular joint disorder that is usually painful may arise.
The causes of this disorder are such as dislocation, injury, arthritis, stress and teeth grinding, and tooth and jaw alignment. During treatment, proper diagnosis is usually important to know the cause of the problem before treatment. A dental examination will include checking the muscles and the joints for tenderness, difficulty moving, and clicking. After the diagnosis, the dentist may recommend you see a physician or another specialist dentist.
Generally, there are symptom that indicates you could be having the TMJ disorder. For instance, popping, clicking or grating noises while chewing or moving your mouth is a sign of this disorder. Also, painful feeling around the jaw and in front of the ears is also an indication of this disorder. A person may also experience difficulty when opening the mouth as the jaw feels tight making it difficult to eat. Other symptoms are such as migraine or headache, blocked sensations in your ear, and painful neck or back.
The treatment this problem in Atlanta GA starts by visiting a GP or a dentist to have the problem diagnosed and to discuss the suitable treatment option. To begin with, non-surgical treatments are tried first such as lifestyle changes and self-physiotherapy. If, however, the disorder is severe, the patient can be referred to have further treatment to oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Self-physiotherapy and lifestyle changes that would help enhance the disorder are such as resting the joint through consumption of soft foods and avoiding chewing gums. Also, the patient can hold warm or a cold funnel for 20 minutes or so to the jaw several times every day. Massage is also important for the muscles of the joints as well as self-relaxation techniques that help relieve pain.
Medications such as painkillers like paracetamol may help relieve such pain arise from this disorder. If such medications do not control the pain, stronger medication may be recommended such as antidepressant or the muscle relaxant. When the disorder is due to a disease like arthritis, steroid injections can help reduce swelling and pain in the joint.
Nevertheless, when the mentioned treatment options are not effective, specialists may recommend you get a surgical treatment. Such treatment is usually recommended when the problem is TMJ and not chewing muscle problem. However, only few people get total joint replacement.
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