The temporomandibular joint or TMJ is the joint that connects the jaw bone (mandible) to the skull. It functions as a sliding hinge to facilitate the movements required during feeding and talking. There are a number of TMJ disorders that may make you need the services of a dentist. They include pain of the jaw, discomfort while chewing, facial pain, and a locked jaw among others. There are a number of things on TMJ treatment Atlanta patients need to know.
The cause is usually not clearly established in a majority of the cases. In many of them, however, there are just a few possibilities. The shock absorbing disk found within the joint may cause wear and tear leading to pain during movement. The joint may also be displaced from its usual position and cause injury to other structures leading to pain. The other possibilities include cartilage damage by osteoarthritis and trauma.
Most of the cases that are seen in medical and dental clinics affect women in the 20 to 40 year age bracket but the conditions may be seen at any age. When one visits their primary doctor or dentist, a history focusing on the onset and duration of symptoms, similar complaints in the past and the presence or absence of psychological stress is taken. A physical exam will be conducted followed by radiological imaging studies of the joint.
The treatment options that are used for TMJ disorders are broadly categorized into two: surgical and non-surgical. Drugs are the most important among the non-surgical options. There are various categories of pharmacological agents considered for various disorders including analgesic agents, antidepressants, sedatives and muscle relaxants. The analgesic agents needed can easily be obtained over the counter. The severe cases may require stronger prescription drugs such as opioids.
There are several non-pharmacological options that may be used on their own or together with the pharmacological agents. Bite guards have been helpful in many cases but the exact mechanism that is involved has been unclear. Physical therapy is another important type of treatment under this category. The main types of physical therapy include heat and cold compression, stretching and massage. Counseling is frequently offered to persons who have depression or anxiety disorders.
Invasive procedures and surgery should be considered if the non-conservative options fail to yield positive results. One of the easiest invasive interventions undertaken is referred to as arthrocentesis. Here, needles are inserted into the affected joint to aspirate debris and inflammatory products. Surgical operations are the preferred mode of intervention if an anatomical defect of joint components is identified.
For mild cases or those that are recurrent, some self-help remedies will help reduce the number of episodes or the severity of symptoms. One of the measures that can be undertaken is the avoidance of tension related habits. Such include frequent teeth clenching, teeth grinding and chewing of gum and pencils. Making the diet softer reduces the work done by the jaw which in turn reduces the probability of suffering from these problems.
There are several complementary medicine options that can be used for this problem. These are mainly used to reduce the pain that is a characteristic of many TMJ disorders. Acupuncture is one of the most commonly used options. Here, fine needles are inserted in specific parts of the body where the life force known as qi passes. Controlled breathing is also widely used. This option works be relaxing the muscles around the joint.
The cause is usually not clearly established in a majority of the cases. In many of them, however, there are just a few possibilities. The shock absorbing disk found within the joint may cause wear and tear leading to pain during movement. The joint may also be displaced from its usual position and cause injury to other structures leading to pain. The other possibilities include cartilage damage by osteoarthritis and trauma.
Most of the cases that are seen in medical and dental clinics affect women in the 20 to 40 year age bracket but the conditions may be seen at any age. When one visits their primary doctor or dentist, a history focusing on the onset and duration of symptoms, similar complaints in the past and the presence or absence of psychological stress is taken. A physical exam will be conducted followed by radiological imaging studies of the joint.
The treatment options that are used for TMJ disorders are broadly categorized into two: surgical and non-surgical. Drugs are the most important among the non-surgical options. There are various categories of pharmacological agents considered for various disorders including analgesic agents, antidepressants, sedatives and muscle relaxants. The analgesic agents needed can easily be obtained over the counter. The severe cases may require stronger prescription drugs such as opioids.
There are several non-pharmacological options that may be used on their own or together with the pharmacological agents. Bite guards have been helpful in many cases but the exact mechanism that is involved has been unclear. Physical therapy is another important type of treatment under this category. The main types of physical therapy include heat and cold compression, stretching and massage. Counseling is frequently offered to persons who have depression or anxiety disorders.
Invasive procedures and surgery should be considered if the non-conservative options fail to yield positive results. One of the easiest invasive interventions undertaken is referred to as arthrocentesis. Here, needles are inserted into the affected joint to aspirate debris and inflammatory products. Surgical operations are the preferred mode of intervention if an anatomical defect of joint components is identified.
For mild cases or those that are recurrent, some self-help remedies will help reduce the number of episodes or the severity of symptoms. One of the measures that can be undertaken is the avoidance of tension related habits. Such include frequent teeth clenching, teeth grinding and chewing of gum and pencils. Making the diet softer reduces the work done by the jaw which in turn reduces the probability of suffering from these problems.
There are several complementary medicine options that can be used for this problem. These are mainly used to reduce the pain that is a characteristic of many TMJ disorders. Acupuncture is one of the most commonly used options. Here, fine needles are inserted in specific parts of the body where the life force known as qi passes. Controlled breathing is also widely used. This option works be relaxing the muscles around the joint.
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