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What is TMJ?
The joints that connect the lower jaw to the temporal bone are crucial for activities such as chewing, speaking, and yawning. These joints, along with their supporting muscles, ligaments, and tendons, work together to ensure smooth movements. The TMJ includes a soft disc that acts as a shock absorber, providing flexibility in various directions. Treating issues with the TMJ can be challenging due to its complexity.
Different Types and Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders can fall into one of the three categories listed below:
- Myofascial pain is defined by pain in the jaw joint area due to increased muscle tension and spasms caused by various factors.
- Internal derangement involves disc displacement, jaw dislocation, or trauma to the jaw condyles.
- Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease.
The risk of developing a TMJ problem is higher if you grind your teeth or have bruxism for a long time, have had a jaw injury, or have certain types of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Symptoms of a TMJ disorder can vary greatly from person to person and may include earaches, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), headaches, back and neck pain, dizziness, muscle spasms, joint tenderness, jaw pain, popping or grating sounds when moving the jaw, jaw locking, and limited jaw movement. While some people may find relief from a TMJ disorder quickly, others may continue to experience symptoms despite extensive therapy.
Diagnosis and treatment of the condition.
When diagnosing a TMJ disorder, the Fort Worth dentist will carefully evaluate joint symptoms and function. Additional tests, including special radiographic imaging, may be ordered if needed. Treatment options may include oral appliances like night guards or stabilization splints to reduce strain on the joints. Other therapies such as steroid injections, occlusal adjustments, and orthodontic or prosthodontic treatment may also be recommended to improve teeth alignment. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
Self-care methods can help alleviate symptoms of a TMJ disorder. Patients are advised to eat soft foods, avoid excessive jaw movements like wide yawning and gum chewing, practice stress reduction techniques, and use ice packs or moist heat as directed. Gentle stretching exercises provided by a dentist or therapist should be followed if recommended. Over-the-counter pain medications may provide temporary relief, but if not effective, stronger medications or muscle relaxants may be prescribed by a dentist or physician.
