TMJ disorder affects the joints on either side of the head, both of which connect to the jaw. When there is any sort of dysfunction, the result is a disorder, which is often diagnosed, treated, and managed by a general dentist. Understanding the cause of a patient's TMJ disorder helps the dentist determine the appropriate course of treatment.
General dentists are dental professionals who have been properly trained in how the jaw functions, which makes them experts at addressing TMJ disorders. General dentists can offer their patients suffering from TMJ pain a few different treatment options to ease their suffering. However, since every patient is different, consultation appointments are necessary.
According to the American Dental Association, diagnosis is an important step before treatment, which includes a dental examination of checking the joints and muscles for tenderness, clicking, popping, or difficulty moving.
Below is a list of some of the more common treatment options that general dentists offer dental patients diagnosed with TMJ.
TMJ patients who clench or grind their teeth will often benefit from wearing a custom-made nightguard. Nightguards are beneficial in that they help prevent someone from clenching or grinding their teeth when sleeping, as this is known to make TMJ worse. They are also designed to realign one's jaw while sleeping, which helps take any tension off the jaw joints. Dental splints, worn during the day, are an option for patients who need more than night treatment.
Some TMJ patients will benefit by taking a medication that a general dentist prescribes. The overall goal of these dental medications is to help patients relax enough so that they are not placing any stress in or around their jaw area. General dentists may recommend various medications, including muscle relaxants, anti-anxiety drugs, anti-inflammatory medications, and analgesics. In addition, for patients who are experiencing extreme TMJ pain, temporary prescription pain relievers may be an option.
There are certain exercises a general dentist can recommend for their patients in order to strengthen their jaw muscles. The purpose of these exercises is to stretch the entire mouth area, which in turn helps to make the jaw area stronger. Once the jaw is made stronger, patients may experience reduced to no pain at all.
Those suffering from TMJ may also benefit from learning a few relaxation techniques. The purpose of relaxing the jaw area is to reduce the amount of stress in the jaw, which in turn helps to reduce the amount of pain being experienced.
Have any questions about TMJ? Unfortunately, there is typically not just one treatment that reduces and eliminates TMJ pain, which is why a consultation is necessary. Reach out today to find out more or to get started with an appointment.
Are you considering TMJ treatment in the Columbia area? Get more information at https://columbiadentaloffice.com.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: TMJ Dentist in Columbia, MD.
TMJ disorder, or temporomandibular joint disorders, refers to a group of issues related to mobility and discomfort around the jaw joints. The temporomandibular joints are the joints that link the lower jawbone (mandible) to the skull. More than any other joint in the body, these flexible joints are constantly in use, performing actions such as…
Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders, also commonly referred to as TMJ, are a group of conditions that cause pain as well as dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control the movement of the jaw. Although it is not fully known how many people have TMJ disorders, it is estimated that millions of…
TMJ disorder can cause an immense amount of pain and serious dysfunction in the jaw and facial region. It is necessary to see a general dentist for TMJ disorder treatment options. General dentists undergo extensive training that prepares them to properly diagnose and treat TMJ. Thinking only a medical professional can treat TMJ? In fact, dental…
Find out more about TMJ, a common jaw-related disorder. Visiting a general dentist allows individuals to receive a proper diagnosis, as well as understand how severe the TMJ is. Once diagnosed, treatment is the next step.Understanding what TMJ is and how it can affect one’s oral health is important. Since TMJ can also affect one’s…