TMJ Syndrome: What Are My TMJ Treatment Options?

The Temporomandibular joint connects the skull and jawbone. When this joint is injured or damaged, it results in TMJ (temporomandibular joint) syndrome or TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). It causes swelling on the sides of the face, bruxism, painful chewing, and clicking or popping of the jaw.

Symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome

If you have the following signs, it indicates TMJ syndrome. Calling Dr. Mitul Patel can help.

• Headache.
• Jaw ache.
• Ear pain.
• Pain in the temple region.
• Sore or stiff jaw muscles.
• Locking of the jaw joint.
• Popping and clicking of the jaw.
• Popping sound in the ears.
• Blurry vision.
• Stiff, sore, or tight neck or jaw muscles.

Causes of TMD

Below are the most common causes of temporomandibular joint disorder:

1. Physical and physiological stress.
2. Orthopedic issues like sore muscles, disk problems, stranded ligaments, and tendons.
3. Genes, age, and gender.
4. Fibromyalgia.

Diagnosis of TMD

Firstly, the TMJ doctor near you will check your medical background and perform your physical examination. For this, he/she will listen for popping, clicking, or grating sounds of jaw joints and also evaluate if the jaw is functioning properly.

The dentist will also evaluate your bite and find problems with facial muscles. Next, the expert will take complete X-rays of your face to check out your teeth, jaws, and temporomandibular joints. He/she also conducts other diagnosis tests like city or MRI scans.

TMJ Syndrome: What Are My TMJ Treatment Options?

Below are the different treatment choices for temporomandibular joint disorder:

Lifestyle Modification

To get rid of the symptoms of TMJ disorder, sometimes the TMJ specialist near you recommends certain lifestyle changes. These might include:

• Using stretching jaw exercises and stress-alleviating techniques.
• Applying a warm compress to the affected joint.
• Taking jaw rest.
• Choosing soft food varieties, etc.

Bite Correction

This method includes using acrylic bite appliances that allow the bite to be changed with time. Bite guards are the most common treatment for moderate TMJ symptoms. Custom dental splints are also effective in minimizing overall tooth grinding/clenching and keeping the teeth aligned.

There are usually two kinds of dental splints – a bruxism mouthguard and a TMJ mouthguard. Tooth grinding mouthguard helps to minimize the pain associated with clenching of teeth. On the other hand, a TMJ mouthguard is a hard plastic device that stabilizes and repositions the jaw.

Injections

To give temporary relief from the TMJ symptoms, the dentist in New Port Richey applies corticosteroid injections into the jaw. The treatment is minimally invasive and also has zero recovery time. The expert also uses Botox to prevent tooth clenching. It is a neurotoxin that paralyzes jaw muscles.

Arthrocentesis and Arthroscopy Procedures

Arthrocentesis is a process that involves rinsing the jaw joint using a tiny needle and a syringe. The professional will drain the fluid of the joint to prevent joint swelling. However, the arthroscopy procedure involves inserting a tiny fiber optic camera into the joint. It helps the surgeon find out what is causing the symptoms.

Surgery

Another treatment that the TMJ expert recommends for TMJ syndrome is surgery. This invasive option is usually performed under general anesthesia and has a long recovery time in jaw surgery. The professional repositions, repairs, or removes/replaces the portion of the temporomandibular joint.

Physical Therapy

People with chronic or recurrent TMJ syndrome are ideal candidates for physical therapy. The physical therapist uses it to enhance the strength of muscles, offer pain relief, and restore joint mobility. They are movement experts and boost the quality of life using education, prescribed movement, and hands-on care.

Prescription Strength Medicines

Another way to treat TMJ syndrome is using prescription strength medicine like anti-inflammatory drugs, nerve pain medicines, steroid injections, muscle relaxants, tricyclic antidepressants, sleep medicines, etc.

Other Treatments

Other treatments at the dental office near you like cognitive behavior therapy, friction massage, and transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation are also helpful in reducing the symptoms of chronic TMJ syndrome.

If the patient feels unbearable TMJ pain despite getting conservative therapies or if there is trauma to the TMJ region, getting surgery is crucial.

Contact Us About TMJ Treatment Options Today for a Pain-Free Life

To get relief from TMJ dysfunction, request an appointment at Dental Arts New Port Richey today. Our experts are patient-centric and work smartly to help you reduce or remove your symptoms.