Reasons Why You Need a TMD/TMJ Doctor
The tempomandibular joint is the articulation that controls the movement of the lower jaw and it is termed as it is because it connects the two components found at the temporal bone found at the base of the cranium and the condyle of the mandible. In a healthy state, a person should be able to move their jaws up and down, and slightly side-to-side; and these movements should be performed with ease and without pain.
When the temporomandibular presents with some problems, the patient is said to have a TMD or a temporomandibular joint disorder. At times, it could be called TMJ, and if you exhibit any of these symptoms, you should seek the help of doctor or dentist for TMJ disorders:
*Tenderness and pain on the area of the TMJ, as well as along the region of the neck, shoulders and mouth, especially when you speak or even try to open your mouth
*Swelling and redness of the face and the area of the TMJ
*Frequency of the locking of jaw when you open your mouth wide, even when you laugh or yawn
*Presence of some clicking, popping or grating when you move the jaw
*Inability to open the mouth comfortably without pain. When in normal circumstances you should be able, a limiting symptom should be significant
*The feeling of heaviness and constant pressure on the muscles along the area of the TMJ
*Dislocation of the bite or inability to close mouth to a comfortable position, or when the bite is simply out of place and not in its normal articulation
Given the nature of the symptoms, it is quite easy to misdiagnose TMJ. It is often mistaken as another condition or it could simply be missed as another disease, so it is important for you to relay significant information to your TMJ treatment doctor. The condition can be anatomical, but it can also be brought about by the collapse of a bite following the extraction of molars. A detailed description of the symptoms and the complete assessment of your current condition should help the dentist determine the real problem in order to prescribe the proper treatment.
The TMJ Treatment:
The symptoms related to TMJ disorders can be quite debilitating. You will be unable to talk and eat, and the pain can sometimes be excruciating, so seeking treatment will be necessary.
The most basic TMJ/TMD treatment will be to directed to give some immediate relief from pain. Patients will therefore be advised by their TMJ treatment doctor to take some pain medication and muscle relaxants. Maintaining a soft diet will also be helpful, as it will lessen the strain put on the muscles and the articulation. You can also try to relieve pain with alternately applying cold and warm compress on the area to minimize and control the swelling. There are also some TMJ exercises that will be taught to you by your TMJ treatment doctor, and with regularity, you will begin to feel some relief as your muscles start to relax.
If the cause of the TMJ problem is dental in nature, the goal of the TMJ treatment doctor will be to restore your bite to normal. The therapy will begin with the wearing of nightguard or splint, to open the bite, after which orthodontic treatment or the construction of dental crowns will realign your teeth into proper occlusion.
In severe cases of TMD surgical intervention may be required. Note, however, that surgery is always the last resort and only if other methods are deemed ineffective does it follow this course.
When the temporomandibular presents with some problems, the patient is said to have a TMD or a temporomandibular joint disorder. At times, it could be called TMJ, and if you exhibit any of these symptoms, you should seek the help of doctor or dentist for TMJ disorders:
*Tenderness and pain on the area of the TMJ, as well as along the region of the neck, shoulders and mouth, especially when you speak or even try to open your mouth
*Swelling and redness of the face and the area of the TMJ
*Frequency of the locking of jaw when you open your mouth wide, even when you laugh or yawn
*Presence of some clicking, popping or grating when you move the jaw
*Inability to open the mouth comfortably without pain. When in normal circumstances you should be able, a limiting symptom should be significant
*The feeling of heaviness and constant pressure on the muscles along the area of the TMJ
*Dislocation of the bite or inability to close mouth to a comfortable position, or when the bite is simply out of place and not in its normal articulation
Given the nature of the symptoms, it is quite easy to misdiagnose TMJ. It is often mistaken as another condition or it could simply be missed as another disease, so it is important for you to relay significant information to your TMJ treatment doctor. The condition can be anatomical, but it can also be brought about by the collapse of a bite following the extraction of molars. A detailed description of the symptoms and the complete assessment of your current condition should help the dentist determine the real problem in order to prescribe the proper treatment.
The TMJ Treatment:
The symptoms related to TMJ disorders can be quite debilitating. You will be unable to talk and eat, and the pain can sometimes be excruciating, so seeking treatment will be necessary.
The most basic TMJ/TMD treatment will be to directed to give some immediate relief from pain. Patients will therefore be advised by their TMJ treatment doctor to take some pain medication and muscle relaxants. Maintaining a soft diet will also be helpful, as it will lessen the strain put on the muscles and the articulation. You can also try to relieve pain with alternately applying cold and warm compress on the area to minimize and control the swelling. There are also some TMJ exercises that will be taught to you by your TMJ treatment doctor, and with regularity, you will begin to feel some relief as your muscles start to relax.
If the cause of the TMJ problem is dental in nature, the goal of the TMJ treatment doctor will be to restore your bite to normal. The therapy will begin with the wearing of nightguard or splint, to open the bite, after which orthodontic treatment or the construction of dental crowns will realign your teeth into proper occlusion.
In severe cases of TMD surgical intervention may be required. Note, however, that surgery is always the last resort and only if other methods are deemed ineffective does it follow this course.
