TMJ or the temporomandibular joints are the jaw muscles and joints which help in closing and opening the mouth. These joints are usually located on both sides of your head and usually work together when chewing, speaking or swallowing. These joints also control the mandible or the lower jaw when it moves backward or forward. However, when you have a disorder in this joints you can visit a tmj dentist Atlanta.
Usually, the temporomandibular joints have discs between the socket and the ball. The disc usually cushions the load and enable the jaw to become widely open as well as rotate. However, if there is a problem preventing such a complex system of ligaments, muscles, bones, and discs from working efficiently, a painful temporomandibular joint disorder may arise.
This disorder is usually caused by various causes such as arthritis, dislocation, jaw and tooth alignment, and teeth stress and grinding. During treatment, it is essential to have proper diagnosis so as to know the exact problem before the treatment. An examination with your dentist will often include looking at the joints and the muscles for tenderness, clicking and difficulty moving. Once the diagnosis have been done, a dentist may refer you to a physician or a 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.
In Atlanta GA, a patient begins the treatment by visiting a dentist or a general practitioner to have the diagnosis and discuss the most suitable treatment option. First, non-surgical treatment options are tried and involve lifestyles changes and the self-physiotherapy treatment. Nevertheless, when the disorder is too severe, a patient may be referred to a maxillofacial surgeon for further treatment.
Lifestyle changes, as well as self-physiotherapy techniques which could help improve the disorder, include resting the joints by avoiding chewing gum and taking soft foods. Again, you can hold a warm or cold funnel for around 20 minutes to the jaw several times daily. You may also massage the muscles around the joints and perform self-relaxation techniques to relieve stress.
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.
If the above measures are not effective, a specialist may recommend surgical treatment. The surgical treatment is usually recommended when the problem is temporomandibular joint and not chewing muscles. In very few people, total joint replacement is usually recommended. Since joint surgery may have significant side effects, it is important to discuss the procedure with your surgeon.
Usually, the temporomandibular joints have discs between the socket and the ball. The disc usually cushions the load and enable the jaw to become widely open as well as rotate. However, if there is a problem preventing such a complex system of ligaments, muscles, bones, and discs from working efficiently, a painful temporomandibular joint disorder may arise.
This disorder is usually caused by various causes such as arthritis, dislocation, jaw and tooth alignment, and teeth stress and grinding. During treatment, it is essential to have proper diagnosis so as to know the exact problem before the treatment. An examination with your dentist will often include looking at the joints and the muscles for tenderness, clicking and difficulty moving. Once the diagnosis have been done, a dentist may refer you to a physician or a 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.
In Atlanta GA, a patient begins the treatment by visiting a dentist or a general practitioner to have the diagnosis and discuss the most suitable treatment option. First, non-surgical treatment options are tried and involve lifestyles changes and the self-physiotherapy treatment. Nevertheless, when the disorder is too severe, a patient may be referred to a maxillofacial surgeon for further treatment.
Lifestyle changes, as well as self-physiotherapy techniques which could help improve the disorder, include resting the joints by avoiding chewing gum and taking soft foods. Again, you can hold a warm or cold funnel for around 20 minutes to the jaw several times daily. You may also massage the muscles around the joints and perform self-relaxation techniques to relieve stress.
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.
If the above measures are not effective, a specialist may recommend surgical treatment. The surgical treatment is usually recommended when the problem is temporomandibular joint and not chewing muscles. In very few people, total joint replacement is usually recommended. Since joint surgery may have significant side effects, it is important to discuss the procedure with your surgeon.
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When you are looking for information about a TMJ dentist Atlanta locals can visit our web pages online today. More details are available at http://caugheydds.com/category/tmj-and-bite-therapy now.
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