The temporomandibular joint is what helps connect the jaw with the skull. In case of a disorder, you are likely to feel pain while moving your jaw. There is no particular cause at this time. However, it is often attributed to any injury to your jawbone, or there can be hereditary factors as well.
As the jaw pain can be debilitating, people are seen to clench their teeth. However, not necessarily every person who grinds or clenches their teeth has a TMJ disorder. When there is no measure seen to be effective in relieving the pain, that is when oral surgery is suggested.
There is around twelve percent of the population that is suffering from this disorder. Toledo is a place where healthcare facilities are easily accessible, and there are many effective ways to treat TMJ disorders. If you are going through this, you can reach out to a dental practice in Toledo and manage your pain effectively.
What are the symptoms of a TMJ disorder?
- Pain in joints is present on both sides of the jaw.
- Experiencing pain in your ear or around it as well.
- Chewing might also be complicated and cause pain.
- Finding it difficult to open and close my mouth.
- Jaw pain is another sign.
- Your face might also be in pain.
- Ringing sound in your ear.
- Persistent pain in your neck and shoulders.
- The presence of a clicking sound when opening and closing the mouth and pain are also there while doing so.
If you notice these symptoms being there for a prolonged period, you should consider a professional.
What are the possible causes of the disorder?
- Arthritis might cause damage to the cartilage, leading to a disorder.
- Damage to the disk (responsible for smooth movement of the jaw) or misalignment of it.
- An accident can also cause damage to the joints, resulting in TMJ disorder.
- Grinding your teeth for a prolonged period.
While the causes mentioned are valid, many times, there are no known causes of the TMJ disorder in patients.
What are the treatment options for TMJ disorders?
Giving prescribed medication to relieve pain
You can ease your pain with different medications, such as ibuprofen, antidepressants, etc. If you have a habit of clenching your teeth, try taking muscle relaxers. Make sure the healthcare practitioner prescribes the medication and that you are not taking it on your own.
Certain medications can affect your health. Therefore, only take them when a professional approves them. There are injections like corticosteroids that may help with severe inflammation as well.
Surgical options for treating TMJ disorders
When medications do not work for you, then you can think of going for surgery. If your jaw is sore, arthrocentesis can help to take out the fluid from the joint and bring comfort to the patient.
Healthcare practitioners specifically use this method when there is soreness in your jaw. If the disk is misaligned or there is a need to provide a new shape to the jaw bone, instruments can be inserted. It is done to get a better picture of your inner parts so that they can make changes with precision accordingly.
If you do not want to opt for this option, there is another surgery method called open joint surgery. However, it is highly invasive, and an incision is made to get access to your jaw directly.
Treatments that do not require surgery
There are oral products, such as mouthguards, that can keep your jaw in position. A dentist can make mouthguards, especially if you need them. There are different therapies as well, such as physical therapy, to help patients stretch their jaw and provide flexibility in moving the jaw. Another therapy to treat the disorder is ultrasound therapy. It allows patients to relax their muscles.
Consult a dentist in Toledo for treatment!
Get in touch with a skilled dentist, as they can provide significant information about your overall health and can accordingly suggest a method to improve your symptoms.
