TMJ Treatment Can Relieve Pain and Discomfort from TMJ Disorders

If you are suffering from jaw pain it is possible that you are affected by a TMJ disorder and will need to get it treated from a doctor or a dentist offering TMJ treatment near you. You may have difficulties understanding the pain you are experiencing but the precise reasons for this disorder are often difficult to determine. The pain you are suffering from could be due to many factors including arthritis or injury to the jaw, genetics, and bruxism.

The pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders are often temporary and can be managed by self-care and nonsurgical treatments. Surgery is considered a last resort after the failure of conservative methods that may be used. However, you must consider getting treatment for the disorder if you want relief from the discomfort you are experiencing.

What Is a TMJ Disorder?

The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) a similar to a link that connects your jawbone to the skull. One joint exists on both sides of the jaw. TMJ disorders cause pain in the jaw joint and the muscles that control the movement of the jaw. Some of the signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders are the following:

• Tenderness or pain in the jaw.
• Difficulty or pain when chewing.
• Aching facial pain.
• Locking of the TMJ joint making it difficult for you to open or close your mouth.

TMJ disorders also cause a clicking or grating sensations when opening your mouth for chewing. However, if you don’t feel any pain or are limited in your movements you probably don’t need to rush finding TMJ treatment near you.

When You Should Consider Treatment for TMJ Disorder?

If you are suffering from persistent pain or tenderness in the jaw you must be seeking treatment from Cambell & Williams Family Dental that can offer you TMJ treatment in Highland Village, TX. The dentist at this facility will be discussing your symptoms and examining your jaw to determine whether you are suffering from TMJ disorder. He or she will be listening to and feeling your jaw by asking you to open and close your mouth, press on spots around your jaw to identify sites causing pain and discomfort, and observing the range of motion of your jaw.

If the dentist suspects you are a victim of this disorder you will be recommended to have dental x-rays taken for examining your teeth and jaw, provide a CT scan to view detailed pictures of the bones in the joint, or even an MRI to determine problems with the disk of the joint and the surrounding tissues.

TMJ treatment in Highland Village may also decide to use TMJ arthroscopy to diagnose the disorder. A thin tube will be inserted by the dentist into the space of the joint along with an arthroscope to view the area and confirm a diagnosis.

TMJ disorders despite affecting many often go away by themselves without any treatment. However, if you have persistent symptoms you may be recommended different treatment options with more than one combined together for effective results.

Types of TMJ Treatments Presently Being Offered

Among the nonsurgical treatments that are offered for TMJ disorders that can help to relieve the pain and discomfort include:

Tricyclic antidepressants, pain relievers, and anti-inflammatories. If you are unable to find relief from over-the-counter pain medications you may receive prescriptions from the dentist for stronger pain relievers. You may also be offered muscle relaxants to be used for a few days or weeks to find relief from the discomfort caused by TMJ disorders.

Occlusal appliances may also be suggested by dentists who are the pioneers of these appliances that have proven beneficial for people suffering from bruxism and sleep apnea. These appliances can be worn over the teeth even though no information is available on how these appliances are proving beneficial.

Counseling is also offered as TMJ treatment from dentist near you in Highland Village, TX because it can help you to understand the behavior and factors that could be aggravating your pain. The intention of the counseling is to ensure you avoid the habits and get over the discomfort you are experiencing from TMJ disorders.

You can also benefit from lifestyle changes and home remedies by becoming aware of habits you are regularly indulging in when stressed. Stretching exercises and massages can prove beneficial along with applying heat or ice to the affected area. Treatment for TMJ disorders is available from dentists and medical professionals although in many cases you may find relief by making simple changes to your lifestyle.