TMJ Pain Treatment in Danville VA
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint is the hinge joint between the jaw bone and the skull. If this joint does not function correctly, it can lead to discomfort in the jaw like popping, clicking, or getting stuck which indicates Temporomandibular joint disorder.
TMJ treatment is needed to get rid of the pain and free your mouth from all the symptoms. If you have this condition and are looking for the right solution, then you need to know the reasons, signs, and precautions to take, so that it does not happen to you again. Keep reading to learn more!
tmj treatment
Causes of Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
The causes of TMJ vary. Some are accidental and some are natural.
Trauma : TMJ disorder can be the result of a punch on a jaw, an accident, or a fall on a road or concrete floor. This can cause misalignment of teeth and inflammation of the muscles. In severe cases, the jawbone can break and dislocate the cartilage disc.
Tooth Grinding : The habit of grinding teeth can result in severe pain and muscle spasms. It may misalign the teeth and dislocate the temporomandibular joint.
Arthritis : If you suffer from osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid arthritis then you are more likely to develop TMJ disorder. Osteoarthritis can cause loss of cartilage and formation of new bone at joint surface and Rheumatoid arthritis can destroy cartilage and cause joint inflammation and deformity.
Clenching : Many people have a bad habit of clenching pen, pencils, fingernails, and many things that can cause pain in the jaw in the long run which may result in temporomandibular joint disorder.
Signs you are suffering from TMJ Disorder
The most common signs of TMJ disorder are identified below. If you have any of these, call us for TMJ pain treatment.
* Pain in your jaw, neck muscles or ears
* Migraine-like headache
* Pain and pressure in your eyes
* Clicking or popping sounds as the mouth opens and closes
* Jaw that locks in place or feels out of joint
* Jaw muscles soreness
Diagnosis of TMJ disorder
Now that you know the signs that indicate TMJ disorder, a diagnosis is needed to confirm that is what you are suffering from. The most common way to identify this disorder is by observing your jaw movements. Observe the range of motion in your jaw and listen to your jaw while opening and closing your mouth. If it is painful or you hear a clicking sound- you need medical attention. Another way is to start pressing gently around the areas of your jaw to identify any pain or discomfort.
Treatment options for TMJ disorder
TMJ treatment often requires assistance from an experienced professional. We’ve mentioned some of the most common yet effective ways to treat TMJ. Read further to find out what will work the best for you.
Medication: Initially, we will prescribe over- the- counter anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants to help you relax your muscles and jaw. This medication will help you relieve pain and stress in your jaw bone.
Therapy : We might advise a dental splint/guard, physical therapy, or counseling depending on the severity of your situation. There are various small habits that could be triggering your TMJ pain. We will help you identify those and further, treat your disorder.
Surgical Treatment: If medications and therapy do not help, we will have to referring you to a TMJ Specialist for more intensive care.
Home Remedies: In case you can’t visit us at the earliest opportunity, there are a few things you can do at home to bring temporary relief. This includes applying a cold compress on affected areas, following a TMJ diet which includes soft foods, doing jaw exercises, and a few other lifestyle changes.
