You may have heard of TMJ disorder before, or perhaps you may currently have the symptoms. Pain in this joint can be unbearable, especially while you are eating. It may be so intense that you cannot open or close your mouth. You should not have to live with this discomfort. Your general dentist can examine you and properly treat this condition.
The temporomandibular joint is a critical part of the face. It is a hinge-like joint on each side of the head that connects the jaw to the skull. An individual uses this joint for chewing, speaking, and yawning. Normally, the joint should function without any issues. However, strain or injury can cause pain, making these normal activities difficult or impossible. Other health conditions such as arthritis may aggravate the condition or even dislodge the joint.
To diagnose TMJ disorder, the dentist will examine the patient. This may occur at a routine wellness checkup or during a specific appointment to address the symptoms of the condition. The dentist will also take X-rays. In mild cases, over-the-counter medication such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen may be enough to relieve the pain. The dentist will urge the patient to use the medication as directed and only as needed. The patient should inform the dentist if these medications are ineffective.
If the pain becomes more persistent and interferes with daily tasks, the dentist may prescribe stronger medications. The dentist will likely start with pain medication or anti-inflammatory drugs. These should reduce any swelling and minimize the irritation in the area. Another approach is to give the patient steroid shots or muscle relaxers. Some patients may react positively to antidepressants, which can dull pain or help the patient avoid grinding their teeth while asleep.
If medication is not working well, or if the patient prefers a drug-free approach, therapies are available for TMJ disorder. Perhaps the most common is a mouthguard. Wearing one of these over the teeth sometimes provides comfort for patients. Other people respond well to other strategies such as stretching the jaw or applying heat or cold to the affected area. Discussing with the dentist the issues that lead to the pain could also help the patient avoid flare-ups.
If TMJ disorder gets worse and is constant, surgery may be necessary. The dentist can insert needles into the joint and remove any debris or agents causing the inflammation. Open joint surgery can be the right approach in the most serious cases. This procedure involves repairing any damage to the joint or even removing it.
Dealing with TMJ can be difficult. It interferes with eating and speaking, making these routine activities unbearable at times. The good news for you is that your general dentist has the knowledge and training to help you feel well again. These treatments can solve your symptoms and improve your oral health. If you believe you are suffering from this condition, call your dentist today and schedule an appointment to discuss your needs.
Request an appointment here: https://www.southfloridadentalarts.com or call South Florida Dental Arts at (305) 230-4041 for an appointment in our Miami office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Dental crowns can restore your smile. These restorations can bring back your normal dental function at the same time. Understanding the reasons to get caps to improve your looks can motivate you to set an appointment. Here are the cosmetic reasons for getting dental crowns.Severe decay deteriorates the enamel. This condition weakens the dental structure.…
Dental crowns are among the most highly versatile restorations, serving both restorative and cosmetic purposes. They can both save teeth as well as help dentists replace missing ones. These restorations have been one of the most popular and effective dental restorations for decades. Here are some common ways dentists use dental crowns to restore and…
Are you looking for CPAP alternatives to treat your sleep apnea? Obstructive sleep apnea is a common condition that impacts millions of individuals all across the globe. Due to this condition, the patient’s airway closes while they are asleep. This can lead to symptoms like difficulty staying asleep throughout the night, snoring, morning headaches, and…
TMJ disorder can be a serious condition and is not something you should ignore. This disorder can affect people of all ages, even those who have good oral health. The effects of TMJ include pain in the jaw that can radiate to other parts of the face. If you do not address these symptoms, you…
Dental crowns can restore your smile. These restorations can bring back your normal dental function at the same time. Understanding the reasons to get caps to improve your looks can motivate you to set an appointment. Here are the cosmetic reasons for getting dental crowns.Severe decay deteriorates the enamel. This condition weakens the dental structure.…
Dental crowns are among the most highly versatile restorations, serving both restorative and cosmetic purposes. They can both save teeth as well as help dentists replace missing ones. These restorations have been one of the most popular and effective dental restorations for decades. Here are some common ways dentists use dental crowns to restore and…