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 talking, eating, swallowing, yawning, and other actions that need the jaw to open and shut.
Many individuals have jaw mobility issues and discomfort in and around the jaw joints at some point in their lives. These joint and muscle issues are intricate. As a result, determining the proper TMJ diagnosis and therapy may take some time.
TMJ disorders affect the jaw and jaw joint, including facial muscles, shoulder, head, and neck. Common symptoms include joint discomfort, muscle soreness, migraines, joint noises, difficulty completely opening the mouth, and jaw locking.
TMJ disorder may cause chronic problems in specific individuals. Talking, eating, and swallowing may all be affected by chronic discomfort or difficulties moving the jaw. This may have an impact on a person's overall well-being.
Muscle tension, which is often caused by stress, is the most prevalent cause of TMJ symptoms. When stressed, individuals may find themselves clenching or grinding their teeth subconsciously. These behaviors may wear down the jaw muscles, resulting in a vicious cycle of muscular spasms, tissue damage, discomfort, strained muscles, and more spasms.
TMJ disorder may begin due to an issue with the joint itself, such as damage to the joint or its surrounding tissues, issues with the joint's shape, joint disorders like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, or if the joint's cushioning articular disc slips out of position.
Although there is no one-size-fits-all method for diagnosing TMJ, a dental professional may most likely confirm the problem with a physical exam and inquiries about the patient's health history. An x-ray, CT scan, or MRI may be performed in certain instances to look for bone or soft tissue issues linked to TMJ symptoms.
Symptoms of TMJ typically go away on their own. Mild jaw discomfort is frequently relieved by simple home therapy. There are certain things patients can do to alleviate discomfort temporarily, including resting the jaw and using medications to alleviate swelling and relax the muscles. Applying a cold pack or heat pad to the jaw can also help.
Physical therapy and practicing stress-reduction techniques may also assist in alleviating pain and temporomandibular joint issues. The dentist may suggest additional therapies if the pain is persistent or severe or caused by issues with the joint's shape.
Splints, commonly known as bite plates, are a popular type of TMJ therapy. Splints are transparent plastic bits that fit between the upper and lower teeth and help minimize grinding and clenching. Splints are only worn for a limited period to avoid causing permanent alterations to the teeth or jaw.
Chronic pain from TMJ may cause anxiety and a variety of other issues. Contact our dental office today to schedule an appointment if you are struggling with TMJ disorder.
Request an appointment here: https://www.bushdidsmiles.com or call Bushdid Smiles at (305) 740-1443 for an appointment in our Coral Gables office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: TMJ Dentist in Coral Gables, FL.
If you experience soreness or pain in the jaw, you may want to talk with your dentist about TMJ treatment and whether the condition is causing your pain or other issues. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) is a serious condition that causes stiffness in the joints of the jaw, pain, soreness, swelling, and loss of movement.…
TMJ disorder occurs when the temporomandibular joint is injured or overworked. The joint is responsible for connecting the skull and the jawbone, and it plays an important role in the jaw movement. When TMJ disorder develops, symptoms develop and can worsen without appropriate treatment. There are many different symptoms of TMJ disorder, but some TMJ symptoms…
Jaw pain is usually symptomized by throbbing pain. It can start abruptly, or mildly at first and worsen over time. Regardless, the symptoms depend on the origin of the pain. Knowing the causative agent is the first course of action in treating this condition. One of the most common causes of jaw pain is misaligned…
Want to know what symptoms are associated with TMJ? There are many symptoms linked to this commonly diagnosed jaw-related disorder, including jaw pain. However, there are other symptoms, which are important to be aware of as they can help the general dentist make a diagnosis and treatment plan. Many are surprised to learn that general dentists…
Are you considering getting a smile makeover and looking into all the available options? While some people who want to makeover their smile know exactly what they want, not everyone does. This makes it a good idea for anyone interested in getting their smile made over to understand the options available, which often starts with…
A general dentist is a great resource to utilize when struggling with an unhealthy tooth. They have the training and experience to know how to handle just about any type of damage, whether it be a loose or infected tooth. When it comes to a general dentist pulling a tooth or saving it, there are…