TMJ The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) plays an important role in the movement of the mouth. When you talk and chew or make other mouth movements, the TMJ controls the movements. Temporomandibular joint disorders affect the jaw joints as well as the muscles and ligaments around them. Trauma, wear and tear, improper bite arthritis, or even stress can cause TMJ disorders. TMJ disorder can cause pain. The pain originating from the TMJ area is able to cause dysfunction throughout the body; for instance, headaches, earaches, neck pain, upper back pain, vertigo, and numbness. Our dental specialists at The Strongsville Center for Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry provide treatment for TMJ disorder depending on the symptoms you experience and the cause. For patients with a sudden locked jaw, we can even perform an "unlocking" procedure to regain the proper range of motion. Pain in Your JawIf you suddenly develop pain within the jaw joint, it may be difficult to establish what is causing it. Often, the symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) are temporary and any pain disappears of its own accord. Different things can cause TMD, including bruxism or clenching and grinding of teeth. An uneven bite and stress can also lead to temporomandibular joint disorder. You may find that stress is causing you to hold tension within the jaw. Wear and tear to the joint can lead to pain and irritation. Sometimes, TMJ disorder can easily be identified as the result of trauma or injury, such as an external blow to the jaw, surgery, or a certain disease such as gout, arthritis, or fibromyalgia. Treatment of TMJ DisorderIf not treated, TMJ disorder is likely to contribute to significant health issues including chronic pain as well as inflammation. Besides, it can lead to bite issues and tooth erosion. A patient may also experience long-term conditions such as insomnia, sleep apnea, anxiety, and depression. A thorough evaluation is done to examine the teeth and jaw. The dentist feels the jaw while opening and closing it in order to assess the movement. X-rays and CT scans may be conducted to give a comprehensive view of the whole jaw and teeth and find out if there are visible damages. Treatment of TMD is based on the symptoms and their cause. If grinding and clenching are causing the disorder, our dentist may recommend that you get mouthguards to help take away the grinding, clenching, or biting pressure out of the jaw. Relieving the tension is likely to diminish the pain. Our dentist may administer painkillers to deal with immediate pain. Stronger painkillers may be prescribed based on your situation; for instance, a muscle relaxant or antidepressant. When arthritis is linked to the disorder, our dentist may suggest treatments such as a steroid injection. This infection helps reduce swelling and sometimes, it can solve the TMJ problem. If severe and persistent pain occurs, surgery may be recommended. We utilize Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) injections into the jaw joint to aid in degenerative joint diseases and provide rapid relief from TMJ pain in the joint. This is the most advanced regenerative treatment available in TMJ therapy in lieu of surgical interventions. To learn more about TMJ disorder and how you can manage and treat the symptoms, come to our office. Our team at The Strongsville Center for Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry will provide you with all the information you need regarding this disorder and its causes. Schedule an appointment with us by calling (440) 580-1028. |
Contact Information11925 Pearl Rd #206 Strongsville, OH 44136-3343 (440) 580-1028 info@drweiser.com Follow Us |
