It is estimated that at least ten million Americans suffer from Temporomandibular Joint disorder. The condition is highly uncomfortable and may affect the quality of life. To get the right TMJ treatment Atlanta, a person must be treated by a dentist who is specialized in this condition.
TMJ constitutes any conditions that affect the joint and muscles that connect the jaw to the temporal bones of the skull. This joint is important in jaw movement and any dysfunction to this part interferes with activities such as talking, eating and yawning. The real cause of this condition is not known. However, most dentists believe that the condition is brought by problems with the surrounding muscle or within the joint. Trauma, arthritis, stress and pressures on the joints are some of the causes.
The condition is associated by known symptoms that include pain in the jaw or in the chewing muscle, feeling of tired facial muscles, difficulty opening the mouth widely, problems chewing food and presence of a popping or grating sound when they open or close their mouth. In some cases a person may experience a locked jaw which leaves their mouth temporary closed or open.
The above symptoms vary among different people. In most cases the symptoms the may just go away with little or no treatment. However, some cases have significant long term problems. There are various ways that this condition can be treated by specialists in Atlanta. There are many facilities with medical professionals who are specialized in this condition and its various therapies.
The most common form of treatment in Atlanta is the use of non pharmaceutical therapy. This is the first line form of medication for this condition. It involves use of a bite guard which helps in preventing pressure from teeth clenching and relives most symptoms. The other form of this therapy is physical therapy and it entails use of moist heat, ice combined with exercises that stretch the muscles and makes them strong. Counseling is a vital form of therapy as it serves to educate people on the simple steps that help them ease the condition such as eating soft foods and avoiding wide yawning.
Medications are also used to relieve the symptoms of the condition. The most commonly used drugs are analgesics to relieve pain, muscle relaxants to ease muscle tension and Tricyclic antidepressants for pain and mood elevation. Sedatives are used for patients who suffer from pain due to nighttime teeth clenching.
In severe cases surgical interventions or invasive treatment may be employed especially when the above two therapies have not worked. One of the procedures is athrocentesis which basically involves removal of debris and fluids in the joint. Some people benefit from injections of corticosteroids in the joint. If the condition is caused by a structural anomaly, a surgery is done to correct the structure or even replace it. Surgery is the last option, The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research recommends avoidance of surgery whenever possible.
The above services can be easily accessed in Atlanta. To ensure that you get a dentist who will deliver positive long lasting results, ask his other patients through the reference list that you can get from him or other people within your locality that have been treated.
TMJ constitutes any conditions that affect the joint and muscles that connect the jaw to the temporal bones of the skull. This joint is important in jaw movement and any dysfunction to this part interferes with activities such as talking, eating and yawning. The real cause of this condition is not known. However, most dentists believe that the condition is brought by problems with the surrounding muscle or within the joint. Trauma, arthritis, stress and pressures on the joints are some of the causes.
The condition is associated by known symptoms that include pain in the jaw or in the chewing muscle, feeling of tired facial muscles, difficulty opening the mouth widely, problems chewing food and presence of a popping or grating sound when they open or close their mouth. In some cases a person may experience a locked jaw which leaves their mouth temporary closed or open.
The above symptoms vary among different people. In most cases the symptoms the may just go away with little or no treatment. However, some cases have significant long term problems. There are various ways that this condition can be treated by specialists in Atlanta. There are many facilities with medical professionals who are specialized in this condition and its various therapies.
The most common form of treatment in Atlanta is the use of non pharmaceutical therapy. This is the first line form of medication for this condition. It involves use of a bite guard which helps in preventing pressure from teeth clenching and relives most symptoms. The other form of this therapy is physical therapy and it entails use of moist heat, ice combined with exercises that stretch the muscles and makes them strong. Counseling is a vital form of therapy as it serves to educate people on the simple steps that help them ease the condition such as eating soft foods and avoiding wide yawning.
Medications are also used to relieve the symptoms of the condition. The most commonly used drugs are analgesics to relieve pain, muscle relaxants to ease muscle tension and Tricyclic antidepressants for pain and mood elevation. Sedatives are used for patients who suffer from pain due to nighttime teeth clenching.
In severe cases surgical interventions or invasive treatment may be employed especially when the above two therapies have not worked. One of the procedures is athrocentesis which basically involves removal of debris and fluids in the joint. Some people benefit from injections of corticosteroids in the joint. If the condition is caused by a structural anomaly, a surgery is done to correct the structure or even replace it. Surgery is the last option, The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research recommends avoidance of surgery whenever possible.
The above services can be easily accessed in Atlanta. To ensure that you get a dentist who will deliver positive long lasting results, ask his other patients through the reference list that you can get from him or other people within your locality that have been treated.
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You can get a detailed list of the advantages you get when you receive TMJ treatment Atlanta area at http://www.caugheydds.com right now.
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