Getting Help With Tmj In Charlotte Nc

TMJ treatment options come in as many and various forms as the condition itself. TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, is a common disorder of the jaw. In fact, more than 15 percent of adults have some kind of chronic facial pain, such as headaches and earaches, which can sometimes be attributed to TMJ.

The temporomandibular joints work in concert together on either side of the head to move the jaw and make speaking and chewing movements. When the joints fall out of alignment, muscular and facial nerve issues can develop in the areas surrounding these joints. It can become quite painful and some people may have difficulty chewing, speaking, or opening and closing their mouths. Usually symptoms are most noticeable when the jaws of TMJ sufferers twist as they open their mouths, or during closing and sideways movements of the jaw.

What are the symptoms of TMJ?
Generally when diagnosing TMJ an oral surgeon, also known as a maxillofacial surgeon, looks for a variety of specific symptoms. Those include ear pain, neck aches, headaches, muscular tenderness around the jaw, and jawbone tenderness. Pain in the jaw may also present itself during chewing motions. It may be difficult to open and close the mouth, or clicking and popping noises might occur during opening and closing. Another common symptom is teeth sensitivity without any other dental problems.

The causes of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
There are a variety of conditions that can cause TMJ, including arthritis, which can affect the flexibility of the joint, and cause swelling and pain. An improper bite can also result in symptomology that is indicative of TMJ. TMJ could further be caused as the result of a traumatic injury to the jaw or after a person suffers a jaw dislocation.

Many doctors cite stress as a possible cause of TMJ. Sometimes people bite down or clench their teeth when under a great deal of stress, and this action can aggravate or even cause the symptoms of TMJ. Even strenuous activity resulting in the bracing of jaw muscles against the stress of a heavy load can give rise to TMJ, or worsen the pain associated with it.

How can we fix TMJ in Charlotte NC?
Because there could be different causes of TMJ, it can often be difficult for your doctor to quickly diagnose the condition and its source. Since a variety of conditions such as toothache, earache, or headache can exhibit symptoms that are very similar to TMJ, a qualified oral surgeon or maxillofacial specialist must first rule out these conditions before prescribing a TMJ treatment plan. But once a positive TMJ diagnosis has been made, an individualized TMJ treatment plan can be prescribed.

TMJ treatments may include stress management techniques, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory mediation, or a steroid injection into the joints to manage pain and inflammation. Jaw exercises might help in addition to other changes to lifestyle. A clear plastic night guard is sometimes used while sleeping, to help control teeth clenching and grinding of the teeth, which exacerbate TMJ symptoms.

Finally, in more complex cases where the TMJ disorder has caused misalignments in the jaw and the way your teeth come together, orthodontics or different kinds of jaw surgery may be effective TMJ treatment options.

Talk to an oral surgeon today about your TMJ treatment options
If you live in the Charlotte NC area and would like to consult with an oral surgeon or maxillofacial specialist regarding your TMJ treatment options, you can visit those that are in the locality. They are highly experienced oral surgeons and maxillofacial specialists who can assist people with TMJ and other conditions of the mouth and jaw. If you have oral surgery or TMJ treatment questions in Charlotte NC, do not hesitate to contact them.