TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint. It is a joint found between the mandible (jaw bone) and the skull working as a sliding hinge that facilitates the various movements that are required during talking and feeding. There are several conditions that affect this joint which affect its functioning. The most common include painful jaws, discomfort when chewing, locked jaw, facial pain and so on. When seeking TMJ treatment Atlanta residents should understand a number of things.
The etiology of this problem remains a mystery but a number of conditions are thought to precede it. They include, for instance, bone erosion of the two major bones caused by a displaced shock absorbing disk. The joint may also be affected by inflammatory conditions due to an infection leading to arthritis. The result is constant pain in the area. Blunt force trauma is another common predisposing event.
The prevalence of TMJ related disorders is highest among women of 20 to 40 years. The reasons for this are not clear. Once you notice symptoms that suggest a problem at the joint, it is important that you see a dentist as soon as possible. The doctor will first take a medical history to understand your condition further. The next step is to conduct a physical examination with a special emphasis on the jaw.
The modes of treatment for this condition fall under two main categories: non-surgical (or conservative) and surgical. Among the non-surgical options, drugs are the most effective. There are many classes of drugs that have been tried with varying success rates. Examples include muscle relaxants sedative medication, antidepressants and analgesic agents. The pain relievers can be obtained over the counter or by way of prescription depending on the degree of pain.
Other conservative therapies (non-pharmacological) are usually used alongside drugs. Patients with constant jaw pain have been shown to benefit from bite guards and oral splints. The mechanism in which the guards work is not clear, however. Physical therapies are another effective conservative option that one may consider. They include heat and cold compression, massage and stretching exercises. For cases that are caused by anxiety, counseling is the main treatment.
Invasive interventions are only considered if the conservative methods have failed or when the interventions are deemed to be beneficial from the very beginning. Arthrocentesis is a technique in which a needle is directed into the joint space and used to aspirate debris and inflammatory products. The result of this is a reduction in the pressure exerted on the tissues. Open surgery is usually prescribed if an anatomical abnormality is diagnosed.
Mild cases that are recurrent may not necessarily limit function but are also likely to result in a significant degree of discomfort. For such cases, drugs help in relieving the pain. Avoiding tension related activities not only reduces the severity but also minimizes the number of episodes. Such activities include teeth clenching, grinding and excessive chewing of gum. Diet softening may also help in reducing the need for excessive chewing.
Complementary medicine also has a role to play here. Several treatments have been reported to be effective for the treatment of some patients. Acupuncture is among those that are used commonly. In this therapy special needles are used to restore normalcy when they are inserted into the skin at various regions that are predetermined. Another common alternative is controlled breathing.
The etiology of this problem remains a mystery but a number of conditions are thought to precede it. They include, for instance, bone erosion of the two major bones caused by a displaced shock absorbing disk. The joint may also be affected by inflammatory conditions due to an infection leading to arthritis. The result is constant pain in the area. Blunt force trauma is another common predisposing event.
The prevalence of TMJ related disorders is highest among women of 20 to 40 years. The reasons for this are not clear. Once you notice symptoms that suggest a problem at the joint, it is important that you see a dentist as soon as possible. The doctor will first take a medical history to understand your condition further. The next step is to conduct a physical examination with a special emphasis on the jaw.
The modes of treatment for this condition fall under two main categories: non-surgical (or conservative) and surgical. Among the non-surgical options, drugs are the most effective. There are many classes of drugs that have been tried with varying success rates. Examples include muscle relaxants sedative medication, antidepressants and analgesic agents. The pain relievers can be obtained over the counter or by way of prescription depending on the degree of pain.
Other conservative therapies (non-pharmacological) are usually used alongside drugs. Patients with constant jaw pain have been shown to benefit from bite guards and oral splints. The mechanism in which the guards work is not clear, however. Physical therapies are another effective conservative option that one may consider. They include heat and cold compression, massage and stretching exercises. For cases that are caused by anxiety, counseling is the main treatment.
Invasive interventions are only considered if the conservative methods have failed or when the interventions are deemed to be beneficial from the very beginning. Arthrocentesis is a technique in which a needle is directed into the joint space and used to aspirate debris and inflammatory products. The result of this is a reduction in the pressure exerted on the tissues. Open surgery is usually prescribed if an anatomical abnormality is diagnosed.
Mild cases that are recurrent may not necessarily limit function but are also likely to result in a significant degree of discomfort. For such cases, drugs help in relieving the pain. Avoiding tension related activities not only reduces the severity but also minimizes the number of episodes. Such activities include teeth clenching, grinding and excessive chewing of gum. Diet softening may also help in reducing the need for excessive chewing.
Complementary medicine also has a role to play here. Several treatments have been reported to be effective for the treatment of some patients. Acupuncture is among those that are used commonly. In this therapy special needles are used to restore normalcy when they are inserted into the skin at various regions that are predetermined. Another common alternative is controlled breathing.
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To seek TMJ treatment Atlanta patients should use this qualified dentist right away. Make an appointment online by visiting this website http://www.caugheydds.com.
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