TMJ Syndrome – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

 

The temporomandibular joint refers to the one that connects the jaw with your skull. If this joint is damaged or injured, it could lead to what is known as temporomandibular joint syndrome or temporomandibular joint disorder. Studies revealed that women are more affected than men by TMJ syndrome. A professional dentist in Albuquerque NM will diagnose TMJ disorders depending on the symptoms that you face, including pain. While some TMJ disorders can be resolved in a short period of time, other cases might take a few months.

PNG Syndrome – The Basics:

An injury or inflammation that is caused to the temporomandibular joint is what leads to the TMJ syndrome. TMJ facilitates the movement necessary for proper chewing and talking. This joint connects the lower jaw with the temporal bone located in the skull. A patient with TMJ syndrome can experience pain when chewing, notice swelling on the sides of the face, develop tooth grinding, migraines and more.

Common Symptoms of TMJ Syndrome:

• Headaches
• Jaw pain
• Ear pain
• Pain in the temple area
• Clicking and popping of jaw
• Stiff jaw muscles
• Muscle spasms in the jaw area
• Difficulty in chewing
• Dizziness
• Dislocation of the jaw

Common Causes of TMJ Syndrome:

The following causes might indirectly contribute to the TMJ syndrome:

• Frequent teeth grinding
• Increased stress or anxiety levels
• Arthritis
• Poor posture
• Teeth or jaw misalignment

Effective Home Remedies for TMJ Syndrome:

• Using ice packs at the area of the joint can help
• Consume soft foods that doesn’t require sufficient chewing
• Gently massage the jaw and neck muscles
• Use over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin
• Adopt stress management and relaxation techniques

Treatments Offered by a Dentist:

A dentist in Albuquerque NM can provide effective treatments that could resolved TMJ disorders at the fastest time possible. They would first assess your condition, identify the symptoms, and provide the treatment accordingly. If the syndrome is caused due to teeth grinding, for instance, the dentist will provide you a mouth guard to resolve the problem.

To reduce swelling, pain and other associated symptoms, the cosmetic dentist in Albuquerque NM will use appropriate injections to treat the condition. Over-the-counter medications will also be prescribed by the expert to reduce discomfort. If the damage caused to the temporomandibular joint is too complex, then surgery would be recommended. This is when the movement of the jaw is highly restricted and the symptoms last for a long time. However, this is a rare occurrence.

Always seek the advice of a dental professional while seeking TMJ treatment in Albuquerque for temporomandibular joint disorder. Sometimes changing your lifestyle habits such as avoiding chewing gums, preventing clenching of the jaw, and consuming soft foods can make tremendous improvements to the condition. Get in touch with an experienced dentist today to get quality assistance and treatment.

Know these 6 Common Myths About TMJ Disorder

 

The movement of our jaw is dependent on the joints located right below our ears. It is these joints – known as the Temporomandibular Joints (TMJ) – that allow us to talk, laugh, drink, and eat. If TMJ gets damaged and doesn’t heal enough, it leads to a condition known as TMJ Disorder. Skilled dentists offer TMJ treatment in Albuquerque to effectively resolve this problem. Just like every other dental treatment, several myths about TMJ disorder have been making the rounds lately. To help you get a better understanding about it, here are the top 6 myths debunked:

Myth 1: TMJ Disorder Always Requires Surgery

Several people believe that TMJ treatment is surgical. Surgery is only one of the many treatment options for the disorder. Upon evaluating your case, the dentist will offer a mouth guard or suggest using orthodontic appliances to reduce discomfort and teeth grinding. Surgery is rare and only recommended to patients when the disorder is severe.

Myth 2: TMJ Disorder is Caused Only by Accidents

TMJ disorder is mostly caused by accidents and injuries, but that isn’t the only cause for the same. Other medical conditions such as Bruxism and Malocclusion also lead to this disorder. Just in case you didn’t know, bruxism means teeth grinding, and malocclusion refers to bite issues where the upper and lower teeth are misaligned while closing the jaw.

Myth 3: TMJ Disorder Affects Only the Jaw

Regardless of the name, TMJ disorder do not impact the jaw joints alone. Since the muscles are interconnected, TMJ disorder shall cause pain or discomfort in the ears, shoulders, neck, head etc. In fact, a majority of people with the disorder have experienced headaches due to the pain spreading across the upper body.

Myth 4: TMJ Disorder isn’t Serious

TMJ disorder isn’t simple. It must be cured with an appropriate TMJ treatment in Albuquerque to prevent other health problems. Besides pain and discomfort, TMJ disorder impacts your sleep, weakens your immune system, and causes difficulty in eating. Not to mention how poor nutrition can affect your physical and mental health.

Myth 5: TMJ Disorder is Rare

Not true. Millions of people experience TMJ disorder and seek medical assistance from a dentist in Albuquerque NM. People of all ages can get affected by this disorder.

Myth 6: No Jaw Popping means No TMJ Disorder

If your jaw stopped clicking or popping, it doesn’t necessarily mean that TMJ disorder has been cured. Look out for other symptoms such as bite problems, ear pain, numbness, muscle spasms, and facial pain. Consult a qualified dentist to evaluate with relevant examinations.

Leading dental care centers offering treatments such as dental implants, bridges, teeth whitening in Albuquerque and more, do provide TMJ treatments at reasonable rates. Now that you’ve obtained more clarity about TMJ disorder, make sure to get it cured with the assistance of a dentist.

Composite Bonding – What is it and 3 Benefits Explained

 

Several people out there deal with a multitude of dental problems. One of the most advanced and efficient dental solutions that’s recommended by the experts is composite bonding. This modern dental treatment helps restore your teeth and achieve the smile of your dreams! An expert dentist in Albuquerque NM explains more about the procedure below.

What is Composite Bonding?

Composite bonding, also known as dental bonding, is a method wherein a material is added to your teeth for modifying/improving its shape and appearance. The said material is a resin or plastic that bonds with your teeth permanently. Composite bonding is generally recommended for the following remedies:

• Reducing gaps between teeth
• Resolving broken or chipped tooth
• Covering faded or discolored portions of a tooth

In other words, dental bonding is the go-to solution for people willing to enhance their smile.

3 Benefits of Composite Bonding:

Here are the great benefits of composite bonding explained by a dentist in Albuquerque NM below:

Better Smile:

The material used in the procedure will match with the color of your teeth. This helps produce the most natural smile possible. Even the smallest of adjustments to your tooth gives you a great smile that you’ll show off with pride. Plus, the resin applied is highly durable, so it should last for quite some time. That said, it is necessary that you take care of it properly with good oral hygiene.

Quick Treatment and Great Results:

The entire process can take anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes for a tooth. For those hesitating to go with veneers, dental bonding will be a great alternative. You can achieve impressive results in a single session. With proper oral care, dental bonding will last for many years. Furthermore, the process is completely non-invasive, so it wouldn’t disrupt your daily routine.

Safe and Effective:

The resin used for the procedure not just modifies your teeth, but also acts as a protective barrier against bacteria. Remember though that you should still protect your teeth by nurturing good oral hygiene habits. The composite bonding material used is also safe, since it is made using compounds that don’t adversely affect your teeth. It is biocompatible, thus safeguarding both your oral and overall health. Simply put, composite bonding offered by the best dentist in Albuquerque NM gives you an improved smile safely and effectively.

How to Maintain Your Bonded Teeth?

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft brush
• Don’t forget to floss
• Prevent tooth grinding
• Follow a healthy diet. Avoid sugary and acidic foods whenever possible
• Don’t bite on items such as pencils, ice, and fingernails
• Visit your dentist regularly

Composite bonding is a great procedure for those needing a quick improvement in smile. If the tooth damage seem to be severe, the experts recommend dental implants in Albuquerque NM. Talk to a cosmetic dentist if you have any questions.

Expert Diet Tips to Follow After the TMJ Surgery

 

After undertaking TMJ surgery, it is necessary to follow a special diet until you can eat and drink normally. During the recovery process, you must be mindful of what you eat, to make sure that the bone heals as intended. The foods you eat will have a great influence on the recovery process after TMJ treatment in Albuquerque. For quick healing, follow these diet tips described below by an expert surgeon.

Start with Liquid Diet:

At the beginning stages of recovery, your body must be supplied with sufficient vitamins from nutritious drinks or liquid foods. You can use a blender or a food processor to make a meal that is easy to swallow/doesn’t require chewing. Make sure to strain the blended food for quick consumption. You can season the food with margarine or butter to add more flavour. Always remember not to consume food using straw during recovery after TMJ treatment in Albuquerque.

Incorporate a Variety of Nutrients:

In order to smoothen the healing process and maintain good health, you should consume food with a variety of nutrients. Choose foods with lower fat content. Each food group provides various nutrients to your body, so make sure to add variety to your diet for the best results.

Eat Soft Solid Foods When You Can:

Once the dentist in Albuquerque NM allows you to eat soft solid foods, you can shift from your liquid diet. Depending on your condition, your oral surgeon will determine when is it okay for you to do so. Some of the recommended foods that fall in this category include:

• Mashed vegetables
• Scrambled or boiled eggs
• Pasta
• Yogurt
• Soft fruits
• Beans
• Fish
• Well cooked and soft risotto, and more.

It will take some time to get used to chewing once again, and you would also probably feel a swelling sensation at the beginning. So, give yourself some time and be patient through the process. Remember that your body is still healing after the TMJ surgery. If you find it too hard to chew, you can proceed with purees, juices, and smoothies that supply just the right amount of nutrients. Buying drinks from the store is usually not recommended due to its excess sugar content.

Foods to Avoid:

Just like other dental procedures such as teeth whitening in Albuquerque, eating the wrong food can adversely impact the process of your TMJ treatment. Make sure to always stay away from hard and chewy foods throughout recovery. Excess chewing will prevent your jaws from healing. Avoid the following list of foods:

• Carrots
• Apples
• Ice
• Candy
• Pretzels
• Nuts
• Toffee
• Steak
• Gum, and more.

Always listen to your body when consuming your diet. If you have any questions on the diet, don’t hesitate to ask the dentist. A diet plan recommended by an expert will include all the necessary nutrients that facilitate quick and effective healing. Get in touch with a TMJ specialist today for more information.