Learning About Tmj Treatment

Learning About Tmj Treatment

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Experiencing pain whenever you try to speak or eat can be severely limiting, causing you to be less outgoing than you would like to be. You may avoid foods that are hard to chew, even though you greatly enjoy the way they taste. Though there are many different possible causes for jaw pain, you may be experiencing TMJ. The temporomandibular joints are the two hinge joints connecting the lower jaw to the skull. The abbreviation TMJ is sometimes used to refer to the disorder or the joints themselves.

These joints are very complex, but the primary structure of them consists of a ball and socket, and a disc in between. They work in combination with muscles and ligaments to control the movement of the lower jaw. TMJ disorder is any problem that prevents the joints from working correctly. Symptoms include jaw or facial pain, difficulty chewing, clicking or popping noises when opening and closing the mouth, and inability to fully open the mouth. The problem may be caused simply by stress or an injury, or it can also be a symptom of a sinus issue or arthritis.

Depending on the type of pain you are experiencing, finding the cause may not be easy. Your dentist will conduct a thorough exam, possibly including x-rays, and collect a detailed patient history. Once your dentist has pinpointed the reason for your jaw pain, he or she can select the proper treatment. The most basic treatments should be tried first before moving on to complex solutions like surgery. Your dentist may advise you to apply alternating heat and cold to the side of your face. Other simple measures you can take to lessen the pain include performing jaw exercises, eating soft foods, or wearing a night guard. A night guard is a plastic mouthpiece that fits over the teeth to keep the upper and lower teeth separated. This device can help correct an improper bite and keep you from grinding your teeth during sleep.

When the simple solutions are not enough, your dentist may propose some alternative treatments. Some treatment options involve the use of electrical stimulation to relax the joints and muscles. Trigger-point injections of pain medication may be administered directly into the muscles of the jaw. Other alternatives include ultrasound and radio wave therapy. If all other options have been exhausted, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon. There are three different types of surgery that you may need.

The first type of surgery is called arthrocentesis, the least invasive surgical option. It involves insertion of needles into the painful joint to wash it out with sterile fluids. The second type of surgery is arthroscopy, a more exploratory procedure. It involves the insertion of a small lighted camera that allows the surgeon to examine the joint area on a TV screen. The surgeon may remove some inflamed tissue, or realign the joint disc. Open-joint surgery, the most invasive, allows the surgeon to fully view and access the area around the joint.

TMJ disorders have an array of possible causes and treatments. The first step you should take is to consult your dentist about the type and exact location of the pain you are experiencing. You can try some simple St Louis TMJ treatment like the ones mentioned above, but they may only temporarily relieve your symptoms. Your dentist will be able to recommend the right St Louis treatment for you.

About the Author:
If you are in need of St. Louis TMJ treatment, contact the professionals at http://www.tmjrelief.net.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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