Temporomandibular joint disease (TMD) is a syndrome that causes pain, discomfort, and restricted jaw mobility by affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. It can be a difficult illness to manage, but there are many effective TMD treatments near you available.
Understanding TMD and its Causes
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is what connects your jawbone to the lower part of your skull. TMJ problems can be caused by a number of factors like jaw misalignment, severe teeth grinding or clenching, arthritis, stress, or facial injuries.
Symptoms of TMD
- Jaw pain or tenderness, often on one or both sides.
- When opening or closing the mouth, there may be clicking, popping, or grating sounds.
- Migraines or headaches.
- Limited jaw movement range or difficulty fully opening or closing the mouth.
- Aching or pain that radiates from the face to the ears, neck, or temples.
- Teeth sensitivity or toothaches are unrelated to dental issues.
- Tinnitus (ear ringing), earaches, or a feeling of fullness in the ears.
Diagnosis of TMD
Medical history review: Your symptoms, medical history, and any relevant habits or injuries will be examined by the healthcare practitioner.
Physical examination: To look for indicators of TMD, the physician will evaluate the jaw joint, muscles, and bite.
Imaging tests: To evaluate the structure and health of the jaw joint, x-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans may be performed.
Dental evaluation: A dentist may examine your dental occlusion -the way your teeth fit together and prescribe further examination or treatment.
Early intervention and a comprehensive TMD Treatment in Wetaskiwin can greatly alleviate TMD symptoms, allowing you to reclaim their everyday comfort and functionality.
Best Ways to Treat TMD
Self-Care Practices
- Moist heat or cold packs applied to the afflicted area might help relieve pain and decrease inflammation.
- Eating soft meals and avoiding hard or chewy foods can help to reduce jaw joint discomfort.
- Deep breathing and moderate jaw stretches, for example, can help relieve stress and tension in the jaw muscles.
Dental Treatments
Oral splints or mouthguards: These custom-made devices can assist straighten the jaw and prevent tooth clenching or grinding, which can alleviate problematic symptoms.
Dental adjustments: If the TMJ dysfunction is caused by a misaligned bite or teeth, dental therapies such as orthodontics or tooth contouring may be prescribed by your dentist near you.
Physical Therapy
Jaw exercises: A physical therapist can walk you through specific exercises that can strengthen and stretch your jaw muscles, increasing jaw mobility and lowering discomfort.
Ultrasound therapy or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): These approaches can help to relieve discomfort and relax the jaw muscles.
Medications
- Over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help treat minor aches and pain.
- Your healthcare provider can prescribe muscle relaxants to relieve muscular spasms and promote relaxation.
- In certain circumstances, corticosteroid injections may be delivered directly into the jaw joint to decrease inflammation and provide short-term comfort.
Alternative Therapies
Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese therapy is placing small needles into certain places on the body, which may help to alleviate TMJ pain and discomfort.
Chiropractic adjustments: Some people find relief from TMJ issues with chiropractic treatments that focus on spine alignment and overall posture improvement.
It’s essential to remember that treatment processes might differ based on the individual, the intensity of symptoms, and the underlying reasons. For a precise diagnosis and individualized treatment plan, consult with our healthcare expert or dentist in Wetaskiwin who specializes in TMJ issues.
Take the First Step Towards Relief
Wetaskiwin Family Dental is an excellent choice for TMD treatment. Our team of experienced and skilled dentists is dedicated to providing quality care and personalized treatment options for patients with an array of oral health issues.
Schedule a visit today and take the first step towards alleviating your discomfort! We’re excited to work with you!