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.
For reasons that are yet to become clear, the condition is seen most commonly among young adult women aged 20 to 40 years. However, the problem may be seen at any age. Once you notice symptoms that suggest an underlying problem, make an effort to visit your dentist or primary doctor. The doctor will first take a medical history focusing on the nature or the symptoms and whether there has been a predisposing event. A physical examination is then conducted.
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.
It is common for drugs to be combined with non-pharmacological therapies. Such will include, for example, the use of bite guards. Although the exact manner in which they work is not well understood, the guards have been shown to reduce teeth grinding resulting in reduced TMJ pain. Others include the use of physical therapies such as heat and cold therapies, jaw stretching and massage. Counseling is done for cases exacerbated by anxiety.
Surgery is usually a last resort except in a few cases where it may be performed as a first line form of intervention. Arthrocentesis is one of the procedures that are performed commonly. In this procedure, a needle is inserted into the joint directly and used to aspirate inflammatory products and debris. Open surgery is used if there is an obvious anatomical defect that has been demonstrated.
For the mild cases that are recurrent, self-help interventions can be undertaken. These include, for instance, the avoidance of activities that increase joint tension. Examples include teeth gnashing, clenching and excessive chewing of gum. With such interventions the severity of episodes as well as their frequency are markedly reduced. Diet softening may also help reduce the need for excessive chewing.
Complementary medicine also has a role to play here. Several treatments have been reported to be effective for the treatment of some patients. Acupuncture is among those that are used commonly. In this therapy special needles are used to restore normalcy when they are inserted into the skin at various regions that are predetermined. Another common alternative is controlled breathing.
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.
For reasons that are yet to become clear, the condition is seen most commonly among young adult women aged 20 to 40 years. However, the problem may be seen at any age. Once you notice symptoms that suggest an underlying problem, make an effort to visit your dentist or primary doctor. The doctor will first take a medical history focusing on the nature or the symptoms and whether there has been a predisposing event. A physical examination is then conducted.
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.
It is common for drugs to be combined with non-pharmacological therapies. Such will include, for example, the use of bite guards. Although the exact manner in which they work is not well understood, the guards have been shown to reduce teeth grinding resulting in reduced TMJ pain. Others include the use of physical therapies such as heat and cold therapies, jaw stretching and massage. Counseling is done for cases exacerbated by anxiety.
Surgery is usually a last resort except in a few cases where it may be performed as a first line form of intervention. Arthrocentesis is one of the procedures that are performed commonly. In this procedure, a needle is inserted into the joint directly and used to aspirate inflammatory products and debris. Open surgery is used if there is an obvious anatomical defect that has been demonstrated.
For the mild cases that are recurrent, self-help interventions can be undertaken. These include, for instance, the avoidance of activities that increase joint tension. Examples include teeth gnashing, clenching and excessive chewing of gum. With such interventions the severity of episodes as well as their frequency are markedly reduced. Diet softening may also help reduce the need for excessive chewing.
Complementary medicine also has a role to play here. Several treatments have been reported to be effective for the treatment of some patients. Acupuncture is among those that are used commonly. In this therapy special needles are used to restore normalcy when they are inserted into the skin at various regions that are predetermined. Another common alternative is controlled breathing.
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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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