Understanding Treatment for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

If you have frequent jaw pain or unexplained headaches, it could be because of temporomandibular disorder, simply known as TMD. Thankfully, there are treatments available, and these can help most patients regardless of age. You will find numerous dental clinics that offer TMJ Treatment in Jasper, but before you step in, here’s what you can expect. 

What is TMJ treatment?

As we mentioned earlier, TMJ treatment focuses on treating and preventing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. The temporomandibular joints on both sides of the face connect the jaw to the skull. Various factors and causes may trigger inflammation of these joints, leading to symptoms such as tenderness, migraines, and jaw pain. TMJ doesn’t typically go away on its own and can worsen with time. TMJ treatment is a branch of dentistry, which focuses on noninvasive treatments of these disorders. 

What are the common symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder?

The symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder tend to be regular and usually worsen with time. Common symptoms include unusual pain in the face, frequent headaches and migraines, tenderness in the jaw and face, ear pain, and facial pressure. These symptoms may overlap with common dental concerns, which is why it’s important to meet a dentist without delay. 

How is TMJ treated?

Treatment for temporomandibular joint disorder depends on many factors. If there is an issue with the jaw’s alignment, the dentist may order dental orthotics for the patient. All dental orthotics are customized after taking digital impressions of the face. There is also the second option of Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), which can be done as an outpatient procedure. The procedure relies on electric currents, which eases muscle tension because of the inflammation. Most patients benefit from dental orthotics and TENS treatments, but dentists may recommend oral surgery if there is no improvement. Oral surgery is a permanent way to treat the bite and minimize muscle tension because of TMJ. 

Other things to know about TMJ.

What kind of TMJ treatment is best for minimizing symptoms? There is no one answer to that. Dentists will consider the age, dental health, and symptoms of the patient before deciding. TMJ treatment doesn’t have to be complicated or complex in any way, and patients often get relief without any invasive procedure. Even oral surgery has a high success rate for the treatment of TMJ. 

Don’t suffer the symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder. Contact a dental clinic and seek an appointment for an early diagnosis. 

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