Do you feel aching facial pain almost every time? Well, it’s common as 10 million Americans are currently suffering along with you. To reduce the pain and cure the disorder, you might need a TMJ treatment.
To know more about TMJ and its treatment, continue reading.
So, TMJ or temporomandibular joint connects your lower jaw from both sides to the skull. It helps you to chew, talk and move your jaw properly.
But, what can cause pain in TMJ?
There are various factors that can cause joint pain, and it is not easy to determine. There are chances that your jaw pain is because of your continuous clenching of teeth. However, not in every case.
Sometimes, the jaw can relocate itself due to an accident. If you are suffering from arthritis, it can also damage the cartilage joint.
But you must not worry as TMJ pain is temporary and can be reduced sometimes at-home, but it is better to see your dentist. Surgery would be the last option if nothing works.
And, what are the symptoms of TMJ disorder?
Jaw pain is not just the only symptom of TMJ. The symptoms of TMJ pain:
- Tender Jaw
- Pain on each or both side of the TMJ joint (near your ears)
- Chewing becomes difficult
- Difficulty in opening or closing of the mouth
- Pain in neck and face
How to diagnose a TMJ disorder at home?
Your dentist can accurately diagnose any symptoms or conditions of TMJ. But, to know if you are the candidate for TMJ treatment, notice these few things:
- Open and close your jaw to notice any clenching or holding.
- Observe if anything is causing pain around your jaw.
- Identify those areas; could be your neck, your face, around your ears, or head.
If the pain is so severe that it locks your jaw, visit your dentist in Chula Vista asap.
Your dentist will examine your teeth properly by taking an x-ray of your jaws. In some cases, your dentist might suggest getting a CT scan to get an idea of the joint bones. And, an MRI would be even more helpful to detect problems in the disk or its surrounding.
And, how to treat TMJ disorder?
There are various ways to reduce jaw joint pain.
Dentist’s Treatment:
If you visited your doctor, he might suggest some painkillers. If you are also having muscle tension or swelling in your teeth, your dentist will prescribe some medications to reduce them too.
Bite guard to save your teeth from clenching.
However, in cases, if the muscle tension couldn’t be cured with just medicines, your dentist might apply some botox to reduce it.
Home Treatment:
You can follow these steps to reduce your pain further.
- Avoid chewing or eating coarse food (just ditch that zinger burger for a moment!)
- Exercise (best way to cure TMJ disorder)
- Use an ice pack for swelling
- Reduce movement of jaws
- Take rest! (You will be fine)
These steps along with your dentist prescribed will surely reduce the pain and treat the disorder. If you’re seeking, you can visit us in Chula Vista anytime!