Understanding TMJ Disorders & Its Treatment Options

Table of Content

Overview
Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
What are the common causes of TMJ disorders.
How does TMJ treatment work?
What are the types of TMJ Treatments?
List of 7 Benefits of Temporomandibular Joint Treatment.
Taking Charge of Your Health with the help of TMJ Sleep World

Overview

A collective of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint in the mouth due to the malfunction of the small connection between the jaw and the skull leads to multiple disorders. This joint is responsible for various movements of your mouth like speaking, biting and chewing, and yawning during sleep. When there is an adverse condition with the TMJ, it is called TMJ disorder. it can prove to be an excruciating affair and must undergo a lot of painful and annoying symptoms over a few days.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

Facial muscle pain due to the locking of jaws
Jaw tenderness with pain of restricted movements
Finding it difficult to chew or bite, leading to pain and loss of appetite
Headaches, with migraines
Malnutrition without proper food intake
Earaches with continuous ringing in the ears
Clicking of the jaw
Restricted jaw opening

What are the common causes of TMJ Disorder

This is an involuntary habit in many, especially during the night, at the time of sleep. It puts excess strain on your mandibular muscles leading to pain and burning sensation.

Some injuries to the face caused by accidental blows to the jawline, damage the discs and ligaments surrounding it, causing severe discomfort and pain.

This disease can affect even the joints in the mouth. Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis leads to TMJ pain

Some muscles and tissues get affected by diseases like Lupus or Fibromyalgia that provoke involuntary TMJ clicking and clenching of the jaws

Irregular biting grounds affected by Malocclusion put unnecessary pressure on the jaws causing disfunction, leading to swallowing whole food particles, which in turn leads to improper digestion and malnutrition.

How does TMJ treatment work?

Post administering prescribed medicines and the Temporomandibular joint problems persist, the orthodontal surgeons suggest a few treatments for your conditions. These surgeries range from minimally invasive ones like arthroscopy, arthrocentesis or joint replacement surgery.

Some conventional methods of treatment are initially used to subside these conditions, like using bite guards, external pain relievers or physical therapies. If the problem persists, going for the Temporomandibular joint treatment is the ideal option.

What are the types of TMJ Treatments?

There are two types of surgeries for Temporomandibular joint problems.

Closed procedures like arthrocentesis and arthroscopy
Open surgeries involve large incisions with longer recovery times and are preferred for severe forms of TMJ disorder. Also known as arthroplasty, it is used to treat structural problems of the mouth joints. It is performed under general anesthesia and temporary admittance.
Joint replacement surgery is the partial or total replacement of the temporomandibular joint. This also is done under general anesthesia and needs temporary admission to hospital stays.
Open procedures like arthrotomy and joint replacement surgery.
Arthrocentesis is a procedure of injecting fluids (usually hyaluronic acid) into join spaces for lubrication. This is the least invasive surgery type among the others. Arthroscopy is a procedure used to remove scar tissues, smooth bone or change the shape of cartilage discs in the joins of the mouth.

List of 7 Benefits of Temporomandibular Joint Treatment

TMJ treatments aim to reduce pain and increase jaw movements in turn restoring the jaw function, allowing maximum mobility without hassles and letting you eat, speak, and smile wholeheartedly.
TMJ disorders can affect sleep and contribute to causing sleep apnea. By addressing the TMJ disorder, experts can improve overall sleep quality and promote overall health.
Certain lifestyle behavioural changes can help manage the causes of TMJ pain, such as practicing relaxation exercises to reduce stress, applying heat or ice pack to the affected area, and limited movement of jaw by eating soft foods or easily digestible foods to minimize the painful strain on the joint in the mouth.
Wearing a carefully measured, custom-made oral appliance can help to get your teeth back in position in your jaw, prevent teeth grinding during sleep and reduce pain.
Physico-therapy sessions with the therapists suggest relevant exercises that can help to improve flexibility with reduced pain and strengthen the muscles around the jaw.
Temporary relief can be an option by carefully administering prescribed dosage of pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatory medications for the TMJ pain symptoms.
Botox injections also act as pain suppressants and can relax the muscles around the jaw, providing temporary relief from muscle tension and pain.

Take Action Today

If you’re experiencing any symptoms of TMJ disorders, Please schedule an appointment today with our experts at TMJ Sleep World Clinic

Taking Charge of Your Health with the help of TMJ Sleep World

TMJ pain can become unbearable sometimes and go on to significantly impact your quality of life. This pain is caused by restricted jaw mobility and sleep disturbances at regular intervals making it difficult to enjoy everyday life. At TMJ Sleep World Clinic, we strive to help your desire to live a pain-free life. Our TMJ specialists work in close tandem with you to arrive at a diagnosis and a treatment plan that effectively addresses your TMJ disorder and helps you regain your original health.

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