What Are The Benefits Of TMJ/TMD Treatment?

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.

Caus Of Temporomandibular Joint Disorderse

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:

• Bruxism is the term for habitual clenching and grinding of the teeth. Bruxism places excess strain on the jaw and jaw muscles, leading to temporomandibular joint disorder.
• The movement of the cushion or soft disk between the ball and socket of the joint due to an accident causes the temporomandibular joint disorder.
• Arthritis in the jaw. Inflammation of one or more joints causes stiffness and pain. If this occurs in the temporomandibular joints, it leads to dysfunction.
• The misalignment of your teeth and jaws might lead to TMD.
• When you are under stress, you might unconsciously clench and tighten your facial muscles, leading to temporomandibular disorder.
• Jaw injury. A severe blow or trauma to the jaws might lead to the dysfunction of your temporomandibular joint.

How Is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Diagnosed?

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:

• By observing the range of motion when you open and close your mouth.
• Physical examination of your face and jaws to determine the areas of discomfort.
• Panoramic X-rays. This dental x-ray gives a broad overview of your teeth, jawbone, and temporomandibular joints to determine the extent of the damage.
• MRI scans. These help dentists view soft tissues in the jaw and show the position of the TMJ disc.
• CBCT scans. These capture several images which are stitched together into a 3-D detailed image.

Treatment Options For TMJ

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:

• Application of ice packs to the face to ease TMJ pain.
• Wearing splints and nightguards to prevent bruxism.
• Consumption of soft foods to keep your jaws from working overtime.
• Avoiding extreme movements of the jaws.
• Stretching and massaging the jaw muscles.

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.

Benefits Of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Treatment

The following are things you stand to gain from getting TMD treatment at Fanwood Family and Cosmetic Dentistry:

• It reduces your risks of developing dental damage.
• It removes pain and discomfort in your jaws.
• It enables your jaws to carry out their functions effectively once again.
• It enhances your overall health.