There are several treatments available for TMJ relief. They vary from relaxation techniques to replacement surgery. What treatment works best in completely dependent on the severity of the TMJ and its response. All doctors agree on one point surgery is the very last option after every other option has been explored.
Temporomandibular joint is the full name of TMJ. The symptoms of issues relating to this joint are called Temporomandibular conditions. The pain resulting from these conditions can severely affect daily living and sleep. It can be in the jaw, neck, ears, teeth or cheeks.
A misaligned bite can cause pain with TMJ. This means the top and bottom teeth do not line up when closed. Grinding of teeth causes stress on the joint affecting the surrounding muscles and tissue. These can cause the cartilage in the joint to wear down. Then the bones grind together. If severe enough the joint can dislocate making a clicking noise or a popping sound whenever the mouth is open and closed especially during a yawn. Arthritis can set in this joint as well causing it to painfully swell. This can make it hard to even open the mouth.
TMJ symptoms are most notably the pain and discomfort in the jaw. Headaches can occur. So can pain in the teeth, the neck, and the ears. This can range from mild discomfort to radiating pain. It can be more pronounced in the other areas but start with the jaw pain.
A dentist that is an expert on TMJ is who you would see to get it diagnosed. They will do a thorough exam of your mouth and take x-rays. By doing this they will know what is causing the pain. An over the counter pain reliever can be prescribed as well as a cold or hot face compress. Exercise and vitamins may also help.
To help those who have an issue with clenching and grinding their jaw and teeth a mouth guard may be made. This ensures that the teeth will be unable to grind against each other. A splint can be used by those who are misaligned. It will correct the bite of the mouth. Sometimes it can actually cause more pain and difficulty chewing.
One treatment is jaw exercises designed to help correct clenching and alignment. The doctor will show in the mirror the misalignment and how the face should look when there is no clenching. This requires dedication of practice. If done daily as instructed it will teach you how the face and jaw should feel and look when relaxed. The treatment least recommended is surgery to remove pain. If it is suggested it is recommended a second opinion be sought first. The jaw joints are removed and replaced with implants.
When considering TMJ relief remember to try prevention. Try relaxation exercises as a discipline each day. Be mindful of the state of your mouth, neck, jaw and shoulder and relax them if they are tense. Stay away from chewing gum and hard, chewy foods. Sit properly and get plenty of rest at night.
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