TMJTemporomandibular disorders (TMD) are problems affecting the muscles in the jaw and face. TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint. Every side of the jaw contains two TMJ joints, which aid in speaking and chewing. TMDs typically arise for a while and then go away on their own; they don't last for a long time. When they combine with other medical illnesses, including back pain, sleep problems, headaches, or irritable bowel syndrome, TMDs can be extremely severe. Visit Sola Smile Co. to get more information about TMJ/TMD. Causes of Temporomandibular DisorderDamage to the jaw joints, temporomandibular joint, or surrounding tissues is the most significant cause of TMDs. Teeth grinding or clenching is another cause as it puts a lot of tension on the joint. Also, the disorder can result from disc displacement between the ball and socket joint. Joint arthritis, a recent injury, an improper bite, and stress that tightens your facial and jaw muscles are other factors that contribute to TMDs. Symptoms of TMJ/TMDTMJ/TMD most commonly impacts young people, and women are more affected than males. One of the major symptoms of TMJ/TMD is experiencing pain in your ears, neck, face, jaw, and shoulders when you speak, open your mouth, or chew food. Additionally, your jaw joint can produce a clicking, grating, or crackling sound every time you move your mouth. You can also encounter dizziness, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, and a change in how your upper and lower teeth fit together. Jaw discomfort, difficulty biting, toothaches, facial puffiness, and facial weariness are other TMJ/TMD symptoms. Diagnosis for TMJ/TMDDentists commonly detect TMDs during regular dental exams. Your dentist will examine your face and jaw to discover the impacted areas. The dentist will feel your jaw joints when you open and close your mouth. In order to determine the severity of the damage, they will perform x-rays. Dentists make use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans to obtain pictures of your jaw, sinuses, facial bones, and teeth. They also use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to assess the TMJ disc's condition and determine whether it is functioning correctly. TMJ/TMD TreatmentTMJ/TMD has several treatment alternatives such as self-management, nonsurgical therapy, surgery, and other dental processes. Self-management strategies are things you can perform by yourself. These include taking control of your health, learning some relaxation and meditation techniques, and participating in meaningful activities. Nonsurgical treatments include eating soft foods, using over-the-counter medications, and putting hot or cold packs on your face to relax and strengthen your jaw muscles. It also entails quitting undesirable habits like chewing gum, clenching your jaw, and biting your nails. If you clench and grind your teeth at night, wear a night mouth guard to safeguard your teeth. Additionally, you can straighten your teeth or replace a lost tooth with orthodontic procedures, including crowns, braces, and bridges. Also, make sure your jaw isn't moving around too much. Other TMD treatments comprise radio wave therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, ultrasound, and trigger point injections (TENS). Sola Smile Co. will recommend the best treatment for TMJ/TMD. Call us today at 512-615-9405 to schedule an appointment for your TMD treatment. |
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