The temporomandibular joint refers to the one that connects the jaw with your skull. If this joint is damaged or injured, it could lead to what is known as temporomandibular joint syndrome or temporomandibular joint disorder. Studies revealed that women are more affected than men by TMJ syndrome. A professional dentist in Albuquerque NM will diagnose TMJ disorders depending on the symptoms that you face, including pain. While some TMJ disorders can be resolved in a short period of time, other cases might take a few months.
PNG Syndrome – The Basics:
An injury or inflammation that is caused to the temporomandibular joint is what leads to the TMJ syndrome. TMJ facilitates the movement necessary for proper chewing and talking. This joint connects the lower jaw with the temporal bone located in the skull. A patient with TMJ syndrome can experience pain when chewing, notice swelling on the sides of the face, develop tooth grinding, migraines and more.
Common Symptoms of TMJ Syndrome:
- Headaches
- Jaw pain
- Ear pain
- Pain in the temple area
- Clicking and popping of jaw
- Stiff jaw muscles
- Muscle spasms in the jaw area
- Difficulty in chewing
- Dizziness
- Dislocation of the jaw
Common Causes of TMJ Syndrome:
The following causes might indirectly contribute to the TMJ syndrome:
- Frequent teeth grinding
- Increased stress or anxiety levels
- Arthritis
- Poor posture
- Teeth or jaw misalignment
Effective Home Remedies for TMJ Syndrome:
- Using ice packs at the area of the joint can help
- Consume soft foods that doesn’t require sufficient chewing
- Gently massage the jaw and neck muscles
- Use over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin
- Adopt stress management and relaxation techniques
Treatments Offered by a Dentist:
A dentist in Albuquerque NM can provide effective treatments that could resolved TMJ disorders at the fastest time possible. They would first assess your condition, identify the symptoms, and provide the treatment accordingly. If the syndrome is caused due to teeth grinding, for instance, the dentist will provide you a mouth guard to resolve the problem.
To reduce swelling, pain and other associated symptoms, the cosmetic dentist in Albuquerque NM will use appropriate injections to treat the condition. Over-the-counter medications will also be prescribed by the expert to reduce discomfort. If the damage caused to the temporomandibular joint is too complex, then surgery would be recommended. This is when the movement of the jaw is highly restricted and the symptoms last for a long time. However, this is a rare occurrence.
Always seek the advice of a dental professional while seeking TMJ treatment in Albuquerque for temporomandibular joint disorder. Sometimes changing your lifestyle habits such as avoiding chewing gums, preventing clenching of the jaw, and consuming soft foods can make tremendous improvements to the condition. Get in touch with an experienced dentist today to get quality assistance and treatment.
