TMJ disorders are known to affect the jaw joint as well as the muscles that control your jaw. The disorders can be challenging to diagnose and treat due to the complexity of the joint. Millions of Americans experience TMJ disorders at a particular point in their lives. The good thing is that you can receive treatment for the problems. Read on to learn how your dentist can treat TMJ disorders.
There is a wide array of symptoms that are linked to TMJ. Some common symptoms include pain when moving the jaw, backache, neck ache and headaches or migraines. Other symptoms include an unusual clicking, popping or grinding noise that can occur while a person is talking, eating or opening the mouth and restricted movement. Here are some ways a dentist can help treat TMJ disorders.
For a large number of patients with TMJ disorders, the short-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or over-the-counter pain medicines can help provide temporary relief from jaw discomfort. If these medications are not enough, a dentist may prescribe stronger anti-inflammatory or pain medications, anti-depressants or muscle relaxants to help ease symptoms. The dentist may prescribe stronger pain relievers for a short period. Tricyclic antidepressants, in low doses, are in some cases used for pain relief, sleeplessness and bruxism control. Muscle relaxants are sometimes used for some days or even weeks to help relieve pain, especially for TMJ problems created by muscle spasms.
A dentist can recommend an oral appliance, also commonly known as a stabilization splint or bite guard. This is a plastic guard that often fits comfortably over the lower or upper teeth. Even though studies on the effectiveness of stabilization splints in providing pain relief have been inconclusive, these appliances are often used for the treatment of TMJ problems. If a dentist recommends it, it should be used for a short time. Stabilization splints should not cause permanent changes in the bite. If there are any problems experienced from using them like increased pain or if it affects the bite, a patient should stop using it and the dentist should be informed of the complications.
A dentist can show a patient how to do particular exercises that can help stretch or strengthen the jaw muscles. This is ideal because they can increase the jaw movement. Sometimes, a dentist may suggest fixing an uneven bite by reshaping or adjusting some teeth. Orthodontic treatment may also help. However, a patient can benefit from knowing more about irreversible treatments such as orthodontics to change the bite and the potential risks. This will help a patient to make a good choice.
Your dentist may diagnose TMJ disorders based on particular symptoms including limited jaw movement and persistent pain around the jaw and various other information. Your dentist will then recommend the most appropriate treatment method based on the suspected cause. If the suggested treatments do not end up providing enough relief, you may be referred to a health care practitioner who focuses on TMJ disorders. If you have any questions about TMJ, talk to your dentist today.
Request an appointment here: https://alexoldtowndental.com or call Alexandria Old Town Dental at (703) 763-1078 for an appointment in our Alexandria office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
While regular dental visits are vital for maintaining oral health, an urgent dental problem requires an emergency dentist. Dental emergencies, including severe pain, injury, or infection, require immediate attention to prevent complications and ensure the best outcome. Knowing when to seek care from an emergency dentist can be key to preserving oral health.Severe tooth pain…
Wondering how a cosmetic dentist can help your smile? Read on to learn more about some common cosmetic dentistry treatments. An individual’s smile affects their self-esteem, so dental problems cause people to hide their smiles. The issue can be a result of genetics, accidents, or poor oral health habits. Regardless of the cause, a cosmetic…
A cosmetic dentist can improve the overall appearance of your smile thanks to dental veneers. This cosmetic treatment can improve the color and shape of your teeth and give you a more uniform smile that appears well-aligned. If you are looking for overall smile improvement, a cosmetic dentist can help determine if dental veneers are…
Cosmetic dentistry services have become increasingly popular in recent years. From professional teeth whitening to dental veneers, cosmetic dentists specialize in improving the appearance of your teeth and smile. Here are five reasons to choose a cosmetic dentist for your cosmetic dentistry services.Cosmetic dentists undergo additional training beyond dental school. During this education, they focus…
While regular dental visits are vital for maintaining oral health, an urgent dental problem requires an emergency dentist. Dental emergencies, including severe pain, injury, or infection, require immediate attention to prevent complications and ensure the best outcome. Knowing when to seek care from an emergency dentist can be key to preserving oral health.Severe tooth pain…
Wondering how a cosmetic dentist can help your smile? Read on to learn more about some common cosmetic dentistry treatments. An individual’s smile affects their self-esteem, so dental problems cause people to hide their smiles. The issue can be a result of genetics, accidents, or poor oral health habits. Regardless of the cause, a cosmetic…