TMJ Disorders in Valley Center, KS
Treating issues with the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) can be complex due to their intricate nature; these joints link the lower jaw to the temporal bone and collaborate with muscles, ligaments, and tendons to facilitate oral functions like chewing, speaking, and yawning, with a soft disc within the TMJ serving as a shock absorber for smooth movements in different directions.
Types and Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
There are three categories for TMJ disorders, as mentioned below:
- Myofascial pain manifests as discomfort in the jaw joint area due to increased muscle tension and spasms resulting from various factors.
- Internal derangement encompasses conditions where the disc is displaced, the jaw is dislocated, or there is trauma to the condyles of the jaw.
- Arthritis is identified by degenerative joint disease.
If you engage in teeth grinding or bruxism over an extended period, have a history of jaw injury, or suffer from certain types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, you are at an elevated risk of developing a TMJ problem; symptoms of a TMJ disorder can vary widely among individuals and may encompass earaches, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), headaches, back and neck pain, dizziness, muscle spasms, joint tenderness, jaw pain, popping or grating sounds during jaw movement, jaw locking, and limited jaw movement; while some individuals may experience relief from a TMJ disorder in a short timeframe, others may persistently encounter symptoms despite extensive therapy.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The dentist will evaluate joint symptoms and function to diagnose a TMJ disorder, and additional diagnostic tests, including specialized radiographic imaging, may be prescribed. Treatment options may encompass oral appliances like night guards or stabilization splints to alleviate strain on the joints. Other therapeutic approaches may involve steroid injections, occlusal adjustments, and orthodontic or prosthodontic interventions to enhance teeth alignment. Surgery may be advised in severe cases.
Self-care strategies can help alleviate TMJ disorder symptoms, with patients advised to consume soft foods, minimize excessive jaw movements, employ stress reduction and relaxation techniques, and apply ice packs or moist heat as directed. Patients should follow gentle stretching exercises recommended by the dentist or therapist if provided. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and pain medications may offer temporary relief, and if ineffective, stronger pain or anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, or anti-depressants may be prescribed by the dentist or physician.