TMJ: How it Might Be Affecting You, And How to Find Relief

TMJ dysfunction is typically identified during a dental examination. Your medical professional will:

• When you open and close your mouth, pay attention to the range of motion.
• Try pressing on your cheek and jaw to feel for sore spots.
• As you open and close your mouth, feel the area surrounding your jaw joints.

Radiographs (X-rays) can also be used to evaluate the jaw joints and assess the degree of damage. These may consist of:

360-degree X-rays. This kind of dental X-ray provides a comprehensive picture of your teeth, jawbone, and TMJs.

CBCT imaging. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of your teeth, jaws, facial bones, and sinuses provide thousands of images. A detailed 3-D image is created by stitching together these images. Dental CT scans provide your doctor with a more thorough understanding of your facial structure.

MRI tests. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be utilized in specific circumstances to examine the soft tissues in and around the jaw joints. These images display the disk's location, inflammation, and any potential jaw locking. This might help your doctor determine whether the TMJ disc is healthy and working appropriately.

For additional care, a specialist may be referred to you.

What are the treatment options for TMJ Pain Relief?

Simple self-care techniques, conservative therapies, injections, and open surgery are all forms of treatment. The majority of medical professionals concur that conservative, nonsurgical therapy should be tried first and surgery should only be used as a last resort. The sections below will go through a range of TMJ therapies.

Which non-surgical TMJ therapies come to mind?

Your healthcare professional will likely suggest conservative therapy choices first if you have been diagnosed with TMJ disorder. To relieve TMJ pain, many of these treatments can be used in tandem:

Utilize cold or hot packs that are moist. For immediate pain relief, place an ice pack on the side of your face and near your temples. Exercise your jaw with a few straightforward stretches (as instructed by your healthcare provider). After working out, spend about five minutes massaging the side of your face with a warm washcloth or towel. Several times a day, perform this.

Eat soft foods. Eat soft meals like yogurt, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, soup, scrambled eggs, salmon, cooked fruits and vegetables, beans, and grains to prevent your jaw from working overtime. Avoid chewy meals as well as foods that are hard, crunchy, or raw, such as hard rolls, pretzels, and raw carrots (like caramels and taffy). Avoid using the gum.

Take medicine. Try over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen, to reduce discomfort and swelling. Anti-anxiety medications can ease stress, which is sometimes thought to make TMJ symptoms worse. A low

Wear a night guard or a splint. The mouthpieces known as splints and night guards are worn over the upper or lower teeth. The mouthpieces, when worn, offer secure tooth contacts during closure. By shifting your jaw into a better posture while being worn, mouth guards can help improve your bite. The key distinction between night guards and splints is those night guards are only worn at night whereas splints are worn continuously. Which type of oral appliance you might require can be determined by your healthcare provider.

Try dental procedures for correction. In order to restore the balance and alignment of your bite, these treatments may involve replacing missing teeth or utilizing braces, crowns, or bridges.

Keep your jaw from moving too much. Don't yawn or chew excessively, for instance.

Avoid holding the phone between your shoulder and ear or resting your chin on your hand. Reduce neck and facial pain by maintaining excellent posture.

As often as possible, keep your teeth slightly spaced apart to ease pressure on the jaw. Place your tongue over your top front teeth on the palate to prevent clenching or grinding during the day.

The best way to manage jaw tension is to learn relaxation techniques.

What are the alternatives for TMJ joint pain treatment?

 Your healthcare professional might advise one or more of the following if conservative measures are unsuccessful:
Electrical stimulation of the transcutaneous nerve (TENS). By relaxing the muscles in your jaw joint and face, this therapy uses low-level electrical currents to alleviate pain. TENS treatments can be carried out at home or at the office of your doctor.

A trigger-point injection. To treat painful trigger points in the face muscles, painkillers are injected into the affected areas.

the use of radio waves. Low-level electrical stimulation with radio waves causes the joint to swell, relieving TMJ symptoms by boosting blood flow.

a botulinum toxin. Both muscle mass and inflammation are decreased by these injections.

When should you think about having TMJ temporomandibular joint surgery 

Only after all other forms of treatment have failed and there are still TMJ jaw problems, may TMJ surgery be considered. The best option for many patients is TMJ surgery, but it's crucial to consider all of your alternatives and make a well-informed choice.

Especially if it comes and goes, jaw pain might not seem to be a major concern. TMJ dysfunction can significantly impair daily activities including speaking, chewing, and biting, though, if left untreated. Make an appointment with our doctor for TMJ care Illinois if you suspect you may be experiencing TMJ symptoms. The problem can be managed and your overall quality of life can be enhanced with prompt treatment, speak with our doctor so we can help you evaluate your treatment options for TMJ.