Do you need Tmj Treatment Columbia TN? There are two temporomandibular joints, so there is one on each side of your head in front of your ears. The joint connects the jawbone to the skull. Disorders of the joint are referred to as TMJ disorder or just TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). TMD may refer to any symptom in this region. The disorder causes pain in the jaw’s joint and in the jaw muscles. For a less severe case of TMD, biting down on a hard piece of food may cause a shooting pain in the jaw that typically subsides quickly. With severe TMD, simply eating or talking may cause debilitating pain.
No one really knows what causes TMJ disorder. The pain may be caused by a combination of issues such as a jaw injury coupled with arthritis. Physical stress on joint structures such as the joint’s cartilage disk and the jaw muscles and ligaments may be responsible for the pain. Some believe that TMJ symptoms may be caused by orthodontic braces or a bad bite. Others believe that stress and teeth grinding cause the problem even though many people grind their teeth and have no problems. There are other suggested reasons for the disorder, but so far there is no definitive cause.
Typically your dentist is the first health or medical professional that people visit for pain in the jaw joint. The dentist will take a dental and medical history of the symptoms, and he will examine the area for any abnormalities. Sometimes folks go to their primary care physician for help. The simplest treatments are usually suggested first. You will learn how to relax, stretch, or massage the jaw muscles. Cold packs and/or moist heat in the painful area may help. You will learn to avoid painful activities such as singing, chewing gum, and yawning. Over the counter pain meds such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen may help.
If nothing seems to help with a TMJ disorder, surgery may be the only option. Maxillofacial surgeons are trained to repair the problem. But it is still better to exhaust all other treatment methods before resorting to surgery. There are prescription medications that may help as well as bite guards or oral splints. Non-invasive procedures that work are always better than surgery. Click here for more information.
