Your TMJ or temporomandibular joint attaches your lower jaw to your skull. A problem with your TMJ can make dental functions difficult. Understanding the treatments for this ailment can help you prepare for your appointment. Here are the details on how your dentist can treat your TMJ.
The dentist will talk to the patient about the symptoms. A jaw examination will also take place during the consultation. Feeling and listening to the jaw while moving the mouth is important. The general dentist will also press the areas around the jaw to pinpoint the painful areas. Observing the patient’s jaw motion is part of the diagnosis.
Ordering diagnostic imaging exams can help the dentist examine the patient’s jaw and teeth. A dental X-ray, MRI, and CT scan determine the problem in the joint, bones, and soft tissue. The dentist may also use a TMJ arthroscopy. In this diagnostic exam, the dentist will insert a thin tube into the TMJ space. A small arthroscope will then go through the tube to see the affected area.
Patients who experience bruxism and TMJ at the same time can get relief from wearing a nightguard. This custom-fit dental appliance can protect the teeth from damage. It can also prevent the patient from jaw clenching or teeth grinding while sleeping. A nightguard can prevent the jaw pain from worsening. A nightguard can also help realign the jaw while the patient sleeps.
Medications can also relieve TMJ pain. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and pain relievers may not be enough to get rid of this pain. The dentist may prescribe stronger medications for a short period. The patient can take muscle relaxants for a few days or even weeks for pain relief. Taking tricyclic antidepressants can also help. These medications are for depression, but in low doses, tricyclic antidepressants can treat sleeplessness, pain, and bruxism.
The dentist may encourage the patient to go through non-drug therapies first. Counseling and education can help the patient understand the behaviors and other factors that can help avoid pain. Such behaviors are fingernail biting or jaw clenching. Mouthguards or oral splints can cushion the jaw and teeth as the mouth closes.
Physical therapy can teach the patient some strengthening exercises for the jaw muscles. The goal is to stretch the mouth, which allows the jaw muscles to contract and relax. The exercises must be consistent. Research shows that a stronger jaw can reduce or even get rid of TMJ pain.
Some patients may have symptoms of TMJ disorders that disappear without any treatment. Persistent symptoms may need more than medications or therapies. They may need more than one procedure during the treatment period. Here are the procedures that the dentist may recommend:
Treating mild TMJ disorders is possible with non-surgical options. The dentist can discuss these with the patient during the consultation. Having this talk can motivate the patient to participate in treating this pain. Here are some non-surgical methods of managing TMJ pain:
Jaw joint disorders can cause terrible pain. They can rob you of the freedom to do the things that you used to do. Getting the right treatment for this condition can help you lead a healthier, more comfortable life. Working with your dentist can help reduce and even end your TMJ discomfort.
Request an appointment here: https://www.leedentistryoxford.com or call Lee Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at (662) 546-1143 for an appointment in our Oxford office.
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