The temporomandibular joint (or simply, TMJ) is a joint found between the skull and the mandible (jaw bone). It is a hinge joint in which the mandible slides against the skull allowing for movement during chewing, talking and yawning among other activities. There are numerous conditions that may affect the joint and make these activities difficult to perform. Examples include locked jaws, jaw pain, facial pain and painful chewing. If searching for TMJ treatment Atlanta patients should know a number of things.
The etiology of this problem remains a mystery but a number of conditions are thought to precede it. They include, for instance, bone erosion of the two major bones caused by a displaced shock absorbing disk. The joint may also be affected by inflammatory conditions due to an infection leading to arthritis. The result is constant pain in the area. Blunt force trauma is another common predisposing event.
TMJ problems are commoner in women than men. The incidence is particularly high among young adults aged 20 to 40 years but the reasons as to why this is so remain obscure. If you experience pain or discomfort when chewing, it is important that you visit a dentist so that the condition can be ruled out. The dentist will first take your medical history then conduct a physical examination. X-rays and CT scan images may also be needed.
The modes of treatment for this condition fall under two main categories: non-surgical (or conservative) and surgical. Among the non-surgical options, drugs are the most effective. There are many classes of drugs that have been tried with varying success rates. Examples include muscle relaxants sedative medication, antidepressants and analgesic agents. The pain relievers can be obtained over the counter or by way of prescription depending on the degree of pain.
Other conservative therapies (non-pharmacological) are usually used alongside drugs. Patients with constant jaw pain have been shown to benefit from bite guards and oral splints. The mechanism in which the guards work is not clear, however. Physical therapies are another effective conservative option that one may consider. They include heat and cold compression, massage and stretching exercises. For cases that are caused by anxiety, counseling is the main treatment.
Invasive interventions are only considered if the conservative methods have failed or when the interventions are deemed to be beneficial from the very beginning. Arthrocentesis is a technique in which a needle is directed into the joint space and used to aspirate debris and inflammatory products. The result of this is a reduction in the pressure exerted on the tissues. Open surgery is usually prescribed if an anatomical abnormality is diagnosed.
Recurrent cases can be managed using self-help remedies. The remedies are aimed at reducing the number of episodes as well as their severity. Under this category, one of the interventions that can be undertaken with ease is the avoidance of tension related activities such as constant chewing, gnashing and teeth clenching. Diet softening may also be included so as to reduce the need for excessive chewing.
Complementary medicine modalities can be used alongside the mainstream therapies. Acupuncture, a minimally invasive therapy, is among the options that are available. In the therapy needles are stuck in predetermined regions of the body so as to restore a state of wellness. Breathing exercises may be effective in some of the cases. The breathing helps in muscle relaxation which in turn helps in symptomatic relief.
The etiology of this problem remains a mystery but a number of conditions are thought to precede it. They include, for instance, bone erosion of the two major bones caused by a displaced shock absorbing disk. The joint may also be affected by inflammatory conditions due to an infection leading to arthritis. The result is constant pain in the area. Blunt force trauma is another common predisposing event.
TMJ problems are commoner in women than men. The incidence is particularly high among young adults aged 20 to 40 years but the reasons as to why this is so remain obscure. If you experience pain or discomfort when chewing, it is important that you visit a dentist so that the condition can be ruled out. The dentist will first take your medical history then conduct a physical examination. X-rays and CT scan images may also be needed.
The modes of treatment for this condition fall under two main categories: non-surgical (or conservative) and surgical. Among the non-surgical options, drugs are the most effective. There are many classes of drugs that have been tried with varying success rates. Examples include muscle relaxants sedative medication, antidepressants and analgesic agents. The pain relievers can be obtained over the counter or by way of prescription depending on the degree of pain.
Other conservative therapies (non-pharmacological) are usually used alongside drugs. Patients with constant jaw pain have been shown to benefit from bite guards and oral splints. The mechanism in which the guards work is not clear, however. Physical therapies are another effective conservative option that one may consider. They include heat and cold compression, massage and stretching exercises. For cases that are caused by anxiety, counseling is the main treatment.
Invasive interventions are only considered if the conservative methods have failed or when the interventions are deemed to be beneficial from the very beginning. Arthrocentesis is a technique in which a needle is directed into the joint space and used to aspirate debris and inflammatory products. The result of this is a reduction in the pressure exerted on the tissues. Open surgery is usually prescribed if an anatomical abnormality is diagnosed.
Recurrent cases can be managed using self-help remedies. The remedies are aimed at reducing the number of episodes as well as their severity. Under this category, one of the interventions that can be undertaken with ease is the avoidance of tension related activities such as constant chewing, gnashing and teeth clenching. Diet softening may also be included so as to reduce the need for excessive chewing.
Complementary medicine modalities can be used alongside the mainstream therapies. Acupuncture, a minimally invasive therapy, is among the options that are available. In the therapy needles are stuck in predetermined regions of the body so as to restore a state of wellness. Breathing exercises may be effective in some of the cases. The breathing helps in muscle relaxation which in turn helps in symptomatic relief.
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To seek TMJ treatment Atlanta patients should use this qualified dentist right away. Make an appointment online by visiting this website http://www.caugheydds.com.
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