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 etiology of this problem remains a mystery but a number of conditions are thought to precede it. They include, for instance, bone erosion of the two major bones caused by a displaced shock absorbing disk. The joint may also be affected by inflammatory conditions due to an infection leading to arthritis. The result is constant pain in the area. Blunt force trauma is another common predisposing event.
TMJ problems are commoner in women than men. The incidence is particularly high among young adults aged 20 to 40 years but the reasons as to why this is so remain obscure. If you experience pain or discomfort when chewing, it is important that you visit a dentist so that the condition can be ruled out. The dentist will first take your medical history then conduct a physical examination. X-rays and CT scan images may also be needed.
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.
Recurrent cases can be managed using self-help remedies. The remedies are aimed at reducing the number of episodes as well as their severity. Under this category, one of the interventions that can be undertaken with ease is the avoidance of tension related activities such as constant chewing, gnashing and teeth clenching. Diet softening may also be included so as to 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 etiology of this problem remains a mystery but a number of conditions are thought to precede it. They include, for instance, bone erosion of the two major bones caused by a displaced shock absorbing disk. The joint may also be affected by inflammatory conditions due to an infection leading to arthritis. The result is constant pain in the area. Blunt force trauma is another common predisposing event.
TMJ problems are commoner in women than men. The incidence is particularly high among young adults aged 20 to 40 years but the reasons as to why this is so remain obscure. If you experience pain or discomfort when chewing, it is important that you visit a dentist so that the condition can be ruled out. The dentist will first take your medical history then conduct a physical examination. X-rays and CT scan images may also be needed.
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.
Recurrent cases can be managed using self-help remedies. The remedies are aimed at reducing the number of episodes as well as their severity. Under this category, one of the interventions that can be undertaken with ease is the avoidance of tension related activities such as constant chewing, gnashing and teeth clenching. Diet softening may also be included so as to 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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