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 exact cause is not identified in most of the cases of TMJ disorders. That notwithstanding, there are just a few possibilities. In many of these cases, the underlying problem is bone erosion caused by the shock absorbing disk or joint displacement from the anatomical position. The other likely events include damage of joint cartilage by inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis and traumatic injury by blunt force trauma.
The incidence of TMJ disorders is highest among young women aged 20 to 40 years. When you visit the dentist, part of the concerns will be to establish the duration of your symptoms, whether similar symptoms have been experienced in the past and whether or not one has had any psychological stress in recent times. After conducting a physical exam, the doctor will request for investigations such as an X-ray image or a CT scan.
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.
Non-pharmacological therapies may be used alone or alongside the drugs. Bite guards or oral splints are quite effective in persons with constant jaw pain. The mechanism through which they work is largely obscure. Physical therapies are another important category of non-pharmacological therapies. They include stretching, massage, and heat and cold therapies. Counseling is needed in cases of anxiety disorders.
Surgery and other invasive procedures are considered when the non-invasive options are ineffective. Arthrocentesis is a minimally invasive technique in which a needle is inserted into the joint space to aspirate any inflammatory products and debris causing discomfort. Surgery is recommended if an anatomical defect is suspected. The joint may be realigned or replaced with prostheses.
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 a number of alternative medicine options that may help alleviate chronic pain associated with TMJ disorders. One of the most commonly used is acupuncture. This is a technique in which special hair-thin needles are inserted into the painful region and other regions in the body. Controlled breathing and other relaxation techniques have also been used with varying rates of success. This option works by relaxing the affected muscles.
The exact cause is not identified in most of the cases of TMJ disorders. That notwithstanding, there are just a few possibilities. In many of these cases, the underlying problem is bone erosion caused by the shock absorbing disk or joint displacement from the anatomical position. The other likely events include damage of joint cartilage by inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis and traumatic injury by blunt force trauma.
The incidence of TMJ disorders is highest among young women aged 20 to 40 years. When you visit the dentist, part of the concerns will be to establish the duration of your symptoms, whether similar symptoms have been experienced in the past and whether or not one has had any psychological stress in recent times. After conducting a physical exam, the doctor will request for investigations such as an X-ray image or a CT scan.
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.
Non-pharmacological therapies may be used alone or alongside the drugs. Bite guards or oral splints are quite effective in persons with constant jaw pain. The mechanism through which they work is largely obscure. Physical therapies are another important category of non-pharmacological therapies. They include stretching, massage, and heat and cold therapies. Counseling is needed in cases of anxiety disorders.
Surgery and other invasive procedures are considered when the non-invasive options are ineffective. Arthrocentesis is a minimally invasive technique in which a needle is inserted into the joint space to aspirate any inflammatory products and debris causing discomfort. Surgery is recommended if an anatomical defect is suspected. The joint may be realigned or replaced with prostheses.
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 a number of alternative medicine options that may help alleviate chronic pain associated with TMJ disorders. One of the most commonly used is acupuncture. This is a technique in which special hair-thin needles are inserted into the painful region and other regions in the body. Controlled breathing and other relaxation techniques have also been used with varying rates of success. This option works by relaxing the affected muscles.
About the Author:
If you are looking for the facts about TMJ treatment Atlanta locals can come to our web pages here today. Additional details are available at http://www.caugheydds.com now.
No comments:
Post a Comment