Temporomandibular
joint disorder, or TMJ, refers to problems with the joint that connects your
lower jaw, your skull, and the muscles around it. The disorder can be painful
and debilitating, but fortunately, multiple treatment options can help reduce
pain and discomfort and improve joint function. If you suffer from TMJ, you
must consult a tmj
dentist in Albuquerque and treat the condition as
early as possible. Read on to learn more about TMJ.
What Is TMJ?
TMJ
is a disorder that causes jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing. It's
caused by the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) not working correctly. The TMJ is
the hinge that connects your lower jawbone to your skull. Sometimes, when
people clench or grind their teeth together, they put too much pressure on
their TMJs, and this can cause them problems.
What Are The Symptoms of
TMJ?
The
symptoms of TMJ can vary from person to person. Some people may have no
noticeable symptoms, while others may suffer from debilitating pain. The most
common symptom is chronic soreness in the jaw joints and muscles that can last
for hours or days. Other common symptoms include:
·
Constant headaches
·
Difficulty opening your
mouth
·
Locking of the jaw
·
Earaches
·
Neck and shoulder pain
·
Ringing in the ears
(tinnitus)
·
Difficulty swallowing
Diagnosis and Treatments
Tmj treatment
Albuquerque options are largely
dependent on the severity of the condition. Treatment may be as simple as
wearing a mouth guard during sleep or taking medication for mild cases. In more
severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damage caused by either
grinding or clenching. Patients should consult their tmj specialist in Albuquerque
before making decisions about treatment
options that best suit their needs.
The
first step is usually diagnostic testing, such as x-rays, MRI scans, and CT
scans. These tests will show where any structural abnormalities lie in relation
to one another and how much pressure is being put on them when chewing or
biting. From there, patients can work with their doctors to develop a course of
treatment tailored specifically to what they need.
One
common form of treatment is botox injections which can weaken jaw muscles and
reduce pain from muscle spasms associated with teeth grinding at night.
Surgery
may also be performed to realign misaligned teeth, remove extra bone growths,
or insert splints that keep the joint open while it heals. A less invasive
procedure is arthroscopic lateral releasing incisions (ALRI), in which two
small incisions are made, and a camera is inserted into the joint space to
reshape cartilage and nerves around the joint capsule. ALRI has been shown to
provide relief for up to 85% of people with TMD.
Where to Go For a Proper
Diagnosis and Treatment?
Your
first step should be a visit to your tmj specialist
Albuquerque. He or she will be able to
diagnose and rule out any medical conditions that could cause your symptoms,
such as an ear infection or arthritis. Your doctor will also determine whether
you need an X-ray, CT scan, MRI or other imaging tests. You may also want to
see a dentist who has experience treating jaw problems.
It's important to treat your TMJ symptoms to relieve some of the pressure and discomfort you might feel. Consult a tmj dentist about treatment options like jaw surgery, braces, or appliances as early as possible.
