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.
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.
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.
The TMJ disorder is usually characterized by various symptoms that indicate you are having the disorder. For example, you could have clicking, grating or popping noises while moving your mouth or chewing. At the same time, you may have feel pain around the jaw as well as in front of your ears. An individual can also have difficulty when he or she opens the mouth because the jaw feels tight which create difficulty when eating. The other symptoms are such as headaches or migraines, blocked sensations in the ear and painful back or neck.
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.
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.
However, if the above treatment options do not work effectively, a specialist can recommend surgical treatment. Such a treatment is normally recommended if the problem is the TMJ and not the chewing muscles. Also, only very few people would have 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.
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.
The TMJ disorder is usually characterized by various symptoms that indicate you are having the disorder. For example, you could have clicking, grating or popping noises while moving your mouth or chewing. At the same time, you may have feel pain around the jaw as well as in front of your ears. An individual can also have difficulty when he or she opens the mouth because the jaw feels tight which create difficulty when eating. The other symptoms are such as headaches or migraines, blocked sensations in the ear and painful back or neck.
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.
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.
However, if the above treatment options do not work effectively, a specialist can recommend surgical treatment. Such a treatment is normally recommended if the problem is the TMJ and not the chewing muscles. Also, only very few people would have total joint replacement.
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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.
