TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint. It is a joint found between the mandible (jaw bone) and the skull working as a sliding hinge that facilitates the various movements that are required during talking and feeding. There are several conditions that affect this joint which affect its functioning. The most common include painful jaws, discomfort when chewing, locked jaw, facial pain and so on. When seeking TMJ treatment Atlanta residents should understand 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.
Non-pharmacological treatments are usually used alongside the drugs. Bite guards (oral splints), minimize grinding and are quite useful for persons that have to deal with constant jaw pain. The exact mechanism through which they function is not well understood. Physical therapies also feature in the list of non-pharmacological, conservative options. They include jaw stretching, heat and cold therapies and massage. If the problem is due to anxiety, counseling will be helpful.
Surgery is usually a last resort except in a few cases where it may be performed as a first line form of intervention. Arthrocentesis is one of the procedures that are performed commonly. In this procedure, a needle is inserted into the joint directly and used to aspirate inflammatory products and debris. Open surgery is used if there is an obvious anatomical defect that has been demonstrated.
Mild cases that are recurrent may not necessarily limit function but are also likely to result in a significant degree of discomfort. For such cases, drugs help in relieving the pain. Avoiding tension related activities not only reduces the severity but also minimizes the number of episodes. Such activities include teeth clenching, grinding and excessive chewing of gum. Diet softening may also help in reducing the need for excessive chewing.
Complementary medicine also has a role to play here. Several treatments have been reported to be effective for the treatment of some patients. Acupuncture is among those that are used commonly. In this therapy special needles are used to restore normalcy when they are inserted into the skin at various regions that are predetermined. Another common alternative 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.
Non-pharmacological treatments are usually used alongside the drugs. Bite guards (oral splints), minimize grinding and are quite useful for persons that have to deal with constant jaw pain. The exact mechanism through which they function is not well understood. Physical therapies also feature in the list of non-pharmacological, conservative options. They include jaw stretching, heat and cold therapies and massage. If the problem is due to anxiety, counseling will be helpful.
Surgery is usually a last resort except in a few cases where it may be performed as a first line form of intervention. Arthrocentesis is one of the procedures that are performed commonly. In this procedure, a needle is inserted into the joint directly and used to aspirate inflammatory products and debris. Open surgery is used if there is an obvious anatomical defect that has been demonstrated.
Mild cases that are recurrent may not necessarily limit function but are also likely to result in a significant degree of discomfort. For such cases, drugs help in relieving the pain. Avoiding tension related activities not only reduces the severity but also minimizes the number of episodes. Such activities include teeth clenching, grinding and excessive chewing of gum. Diet softening may also help in reducing the need for excessive chewing.
Complementary medicine also has a role to play here. Several treatments have been reported to be effective for the treatment of some patients. Acupuncture is among those that are used commonly. In this therapy special needles are used to restore normalcy when they are inserted into the skin at various regions that are predetermined. Another common alternative is controlled breathing.
About the Author:
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.
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar