The jaws are an essential pair of bones that perform many functions. They form the framework of the mouth, house the teeth and make them function by moving in opposition to each other. The jaws give shape to the face and aid the teeth in mastication(tearing, biting, chewing, and grinding) of food. However, pain and discomfort in the jaw prevent them from carrying out their normal functions. While this might result from minor malocclusion or problems with symmetry, it might indicate worse conditions like temporomandibular disorder
The temporomandibular joints are hinges that connect the lower jawbones to the skull. Located on both sides of the face, they assist in chewing, speaking, and other jaw movements. While many people use TMJ and TMD interchangeably, it is essential to know that TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is a part of the body. In contrast, TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) is the TMJ dysfunction. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD/TMJD) is the dysfunction of the joint, and it affects the bones, ligaments, and surrounding muscles.
The temporomandibular joint disorder occurs due to the inflammation or irritation of the ligaments or muscles around the jaw joint. While the particular cause for this is yet to be determined, risk factors for developing temporomandibular joint disorder include:
Since pain or discomfort in the jaw might result from several factors, how do you know for sure that you have TMD? The following are ways through which a TMJ dentist near you diagnoses TMD:
For jaw pain relief, a dentist near you might offer different methods for treating your TMJ disorder. These include conservative approaches, therapy, medications, and surgery.
Conservative methods of treating TMJ disorder include:
Medications that help to alleviate acute TMD pain include tricyclic anti-depressants, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory drugs, sedatives, pain relievers, and nerve pain medications. Therapies for TMD treatment include low-level laser therapy, ultrasound, radio wave therapy, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.
If any of the above-listed treatment measures fail, surgeries to treat TMD include open-joint surgery, arthrocentesis, arthroscopy, and modified condylotomy.
The following are things you stand to gain from getting TMD treatment at Fanwood Family and Cosmetic Dentistry:
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