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 cause of TMJ disorders is yet to be clearly established. However there are a number of theories that have been advanced. A shock absorbing disk found between the jaw bone and the skull may become displaced from its normal position and lead to wear and tear of the bones. The joint may also be damaged by inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis. For the more acute cases, blunt force trauma appears to be the main predisposing event.
The prevalence of TMJ related disorders is highest among women of 20 to 40 years. The reasons for this are not clear. Once you notice symptoms that suggest a problem at the joint, it is important that you see a dentist as soon as possible. The doctor will first take a medical history to understand your condition further. The next step is to conduct a physical examination with a special emphasis on the jaw.
There are a number of treatments that are used and are classified broadly into non-surgical and surgical options. Drugs are considered part of the nonsurgical options. Different classes of drugs can be used either singly or in complication. They include sedatives, muscle relaxants, analgesic agents and antidepressants among others. Over the counter analgesics are usually effective but more severe pain may require stronger drugs.
Other conservative therapies (non-pharmacological) are usually used alongside drugs. Patients with constant jaw pain have been shown to benefit from bite guards and oral splints. The mechanism in which the guards work is not clear, however. Physical therapies are another effective conservative option that one may consider. They include heat and cold compression, massage and stretching exercises. For cases that are caused by anxiety, counseling is the main treatment.
Surgery and other Invasive procedures are usually used only after the other options have been exhausted. Arthrocentesis is an invasive procedure in which a needle is used to aspirate inflammatory fluid and debris that may have accumulated within the joint space. After aspiration pressure within the joint reduces. Open surgical manipulation is needed if an obvious anatomical defect that can be corrected.
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.
Several alternative medicine have been effective for some patients. Acupuncture is a therapy that is administered by inserting fine needles in specific regions of the body. The needles are believed to help restore the flow of life energy also known as qi. When the flow is restored, any diseases or medical conditions that a subject may have are cured. Another commonly used option is controlled breathing.
The cause of TMJ disorders is yet to be clearly established. However there are a number of theories that have been advanced. A shock absorbing disk found between the jaw bone and the skull may become displaced from its normal position and lead to wear and tear of the bones. The joint may also be damaged by inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis. For the more acute cases, blunt force trauma appears to be the main predisposing event.
The prevalence of TMJ related disorders is highest among women of 20 to 40 years. The reasons for this are not clear. Once you notice symptoms that suggest a problem at the joint, it is important that you see a dentist as soon as possible. The doctor will first take a medical history to understand your condition further. The next step is to conduct a physical examination with a special emphasis on the jaw.
There are a number of treatments that are used and are classified broadly into non-surgical and surgical options. Drugs are considered part of the nonsurgical options. Different classes of drugs can be used either singly or in complication. They include sedatives, muscle relaxants, analgesic agents and antidepressants among others. Over the counter analgesics are usually effective but more severe pain may require stronger drugs.
Other conservative therapies (non-pharmacological) are usually used alongside drugs. Patients with constant jaw pain have been shown to benefit from bite guards and oral splints. The mechanism in which the guards work is not clear, however. Physical therapies are another effective conservative option that one may consider. They include heat and cold compression, massage and stretching exercises. For cases that are caused by anxiety, counseling is the main treatment.
Surgery and other Invasive procedures are usually used only after the other options have been exhausted. Arthrocentesis is an invasive procedure in which a needle is used to aspirate inflammatory fluid and debris that may have accumulated within the joint space. After aspiration pressure within the joint reduces. Open surgical manipulation is needed if an obvious anatomical defect that can be corrected.
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.
Several alternative medicine have been effective for some patients. Acupuncture is a therapy that is administered by inserting fine needles in specific regions of the body. The needles are believed to help restore the flow of life energy also known as qi. When the flow is restored, any diseases or medical conditions that a subject may have are cured. Another commonly used option 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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