Important Information On Tmj Dentist Atlanta

By Kevin Edwards


The TMJ or temporomandibular joint is the joint as well as the jaw muscle which help when closing or opening your mouth. These joints are normally on either side of the head, and they normally work together when swallowing, speaking, and chewing. On the other hand, these joints control the mandible when moving forward and backwards. Nevertheless, a person suffering from this disorder should see tmj dentist Atlanta.

Usually, the temporomandibular joints have discs between the socket and the ball. The disc usually cushions the load and enable the jaw to become widely open as well as rotate. However, if there is a problem preventing such a complex system of ligaments, muscles, bones, and discs from working efficiently, a painful temporomandibular joint disorder may arise.

The causes of this disorder are such as dislocation, injury, arthritis, stress and teeth grinding, and tooth and jaw alignment. During treatment, proper diagnosis is usually important to know the cause of the problem before treatment. A dental examination will include checking the muscles and the joints for tenderness, difficulty moving, and clicking. After the diagnosis, the dentist may recommend you see a physician or another specialist dentist.

The TMJ disorder is usually characterized by various symptoms that indicate you are having the disorder. For example, you could have clicking, grating or popping noises while moving your mouth or chewing. At the same time, you may have feel pain around the jaw as well as in front of your ears. An individual can also have difficulty when he or she opens the mouth because the jaw feels tight which create difficulty when eating. The other symptoms are such as headaches or migraines, blocked sensations in the ear and painful back or neck.

In Atlanta GA, a patient begins the treatment by visiting a dentist or a general practitioner to have the diagnosis and discuss the most suitable treatment option. First, non-surgical treatment options are tried and involve lifestyles changes and the self-physiotherapy treatment. Nevertheless, when the disorder is too severe, a patient may be referred to a maxillofacial surgeon for further treatment.

The lifestyle changes and self-physiotherapy techniques that can help improve this disorders are such as resting your joints by taking soft foods as well as avoiding chewing gum. You can also hold a cold or warm flannel to your jaw for about 20 minutes a number of time daily. You can also massage your muscles around the joint as well as perform relaxation techniques so as to relieve stress.

Medications like the painkillers may also help relieve pain caused by this disorder. If such medications are not effective, stronger ones may be recommended such as muscle relaxant and the antidepressants. In case the disorder is due to a disease like the arthritis, steroid injections could be used to reduce joint pain and swelling.

If the above measures are not effective, a specialist may recommend surgical treatment. The surgical treatment is usually recommended when the problem is temporomandibular joint and not chewing muscles. In very few people, total joint replacement is usually recommended. Since joint surgery may have significant side effects, it is important to discuss the procedure with your surgeon.




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