Understanding TMJ Treatments Better

In the past, TMJ treatments were limited to pain management and dental work. Nowadays, there are many more treatment options available that can help you overcome your condition. In Jasper, Texas, centers are offering general dentistry, including solutions for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. TMJ serves as a pivot point for opening and closing the mouth. If you experience pain in their joints when chewing food, look for TMJ Treatment in Jasper.

Who Does TMJ Affect?

Temporomandibular joint disorders affect people of all age groups, although it is most common among women. The leading cause of TMJ disorder is stress, but it is also caused by arthritis and injuries at work or in sports. The following are some of the symptoms that might indicate that you have this condition:

• Limited jaw movement.
• Headaches near the jaw and temples.
• Pain in the ear, neck, and shoulders.
• Muffled sounds when speaking.
• Popping or clicking of the jaw joint.
• Teeth that do not fit properly together when closing your mouth result in chipped teeth and gum sores.
• Tenderness in the jaw joint area.

What are the Symptoms of TMJ?

The following are some of the symptoms that might indicate that you have this condition:

• Limited jaw movement.
• Headaches near the jaw and temples.
• Pain in the ear, neck, and shoulders.
• Muffled sounds when speaking.
• Popping or clicking of the jaw joint

What is the Treatment of TMJ?

The best thing you can do is to visit a dentist or an orthodontist for diagnosis. This will determine the treatment needed for your condition. The dentist may recommend the following treatments:

Braces are used to hold your teeth in place when you have a TMJ disorder. These orthodontics aim at proper alignment of the jaws. Your dentist will customize them for you, depending on your dental structure.

Surgery may be necessary in some cases where other TMJ treatments have failed. In many cases, the surgery takes place to correct jaw joint problems and provide long-term results.

If all else fails, surgery might be necessary to fix your problem. A surgeon will remove parts of your jaw to improve the way it functions. Oral surgery will minimize the teeth grinding and muscle tension accordingly.

Oral surgery is happening under general anesthesia at a hospital or dental office. Depending on the location being operated on, there is numbing first with an injection of local anesthetic medication. This is ahead of any incision.

How Can You Prevent TMJ Disorder?

You can do certain things to lower the risk of developing this disorder. For instance, avoid clenching or grinding your teeth during sleep because these activities may cause jaw pain and tension. If you cannot control this habit, wear a mouth guard that reduces it.

TMJ disorders can be challenging to diagnose and treat for many people. In this article, we’ve provided you with an overview of what TMJ disorders are and some helpful tips on how to prevent them from happening. If you have a friend or loved one who has been experiencing any symptoms that might indicate they have TMJ disorder, please share this post with them!