How A Cosmetic Dentist Identifies TMJ Dysfunction And Possible Treatments
The Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) is located where your bottom jaw meets up with your skull. Layers of cartilage between the two sides cushion strain and keep it moving easily while muscles support its movement. When the bone, muscle, or cartilage suffers harm or damaged movement and abnormalities, this dysfunction causes pain, discomfort, and the wearing of teeth on one or both sides.
Signs Of TMJ
A cosmetic dentist sees the signs of Temporo-Mandibular joint dysfunction frequently. Patients complain about having headaches, ear pain, and discomfort without finding any relief. In many situations, the sufferer will find their ear is sensitive to wind. Their hearing quality can also decrease leaving the person with reduced hearing, fuzziness, echoing, and even balance problems.
Pain can move into the temple, jaw, neck, and even across the cheek or forehead. This pain is often a sudden, sharp pain that behaves very similar to a Charlie horse. It often accompanies 'noisy jaw' that sounds like clicking and popping. In many cases, the jaw will lock up and become difficult to yawn, chew, and sleep on the afflicted side of the face. In extreme cases, the cosmetic dentist may notice the jaw shifts or slides while moving the bone.
Causes Of Temporo-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction
This dysfunction is often caused by repeated strain on the joint. This could be from opening the joint too far, the repeated sliding of the jaw, or even trauma. Contributing factors to this problem include poor dental health and teeth grinding that leave the surfaces of your teeth with an uneven surface. Eating habits such as the size of the pieces placed into the mouth, chewing nails, and habitual gum chewing all add to the condition. In some cases, it is nothing more than a natural misalignment of the bone.
Treatments
The treatments a cosmetic dentist recommends most often for TMJ focus on prevention and at home treatments. This can include behavior modification, relaxation and stress-reduction techniques. Over-the counter medications such as acetaminophen, anti-inflammatory, and muscle relaxants can also help to alleviate the symptoms. Alternating hot and cold compresses on the affected joint can also help significantly. The general emphasis is on prevention and natural treatments rather than in-depth medical procedures.
The cosmetic dentist may have to resort to more involved procedures and treatments for more stubborn cases. Medications such as Tricyclic antidepressant medications can help patients deal with the pain and discomfort. An occlusal splint can also be set into place to hold the joint in the correct position and prevent further damage to the teeth and joint.
In extreme cases, TMJ will require the expertise of a variety of health care providers. Surgery may be used to correct the joint. Relaxation techniques, physiotherapy, and general exercise will help strengthen the muscles in the area to support and hold the joint into position.
It doesn't matter if you are a young student in Ohio or an adult from Laguna Niguel, TMJ is an uncomfortable, painful, and frustrating condition affecting a large portion of the population. With a knowledgeable cosmetic dentist, you can get effective treatments so you can worry less and enjoy life.
Signs Of TMJ
A cosmetic dentist sees the signs of Temporo-Mandibular joint dysfunction frequently. Patients complain about having headaches, ear pain, and discomfort without finding any relief. In many situations, the sufferer will find their ear is sensitive to wind. Their hearing quality can also decrease leaving the person with reduced hearing, fuzziness, echoing, and even balance problems.
Pain can move into the temple, jaw, neck, and even across the cheek or forehead. This pain is often a sudden, sharp pain that behaves very similar to a Charlie horse. It often accompanies 'noisy jaw' that sounds like clicking and popping. In many cases, the jaw will lock up and become difficult to yawn, chew, and sleep on the afflicted side of the face. In extreme cases, the cosmetic dentist may notice the jaw shifts or slides while moving the bone.
Causes Of Temporo-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction
This dysfunction is often caused by repeated strain on the joint. This could be from opening the joint too far, the repeated sliding of the jaw, or even trauma. Contributing factors to this problem include poor dental health and teeth grinding that leave the surfaces of your teeth with an uneven surface. Eating habits such as the size of the pieces placed into the mouth, chewing nails, and habitual gum chewing all add to the condition. In some cases, it is nothing more than a natural misalignment of the bone.
Treatments
The treatments a cosmetic dentist recommends most often for TMJ focus on prevention and at home treatments. This can include behavior modification, relaxation and stress-reduction techniques. Over-the counter medications such as acetaminophen, anti-inflammatory, and muscle relaxants can also help to alleviate the symptoms. Alternating hot and cold compresses on the affected joint can also help significantly. The general emphasis is on prevention and natural treatments rather than in-depth medical procedures.
The cosmetic dentist may have to resort to more involved procedures and treatments for more stubborn cases. Medications such as Tricyclic antidepressant medications can help patients deal with the pain and discomfort. An occlusal splint can also be set into place to hold the joint in the correct position and prevent further damage to the teeth and joint.
In extreme cases, TMJ will require the expertise of a variety of health care providers. Surgery may be used to correct the joint. Relaxation techniques, physiotherapy, and general exercise will help strengthen the muscles in the area to support and hold the joint into position.
It doesn't matter if you are a young student in Ohio or an adult from Laguna Niguel, TMJ is an uncomfortable, painful, and frustrating condition affecting a large portion of the population. With a knowledgeable cosmetic dentist, you can get effective treatments so you can worry less and enjoy life.