Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) refers to the joint found in a person’s jaw. It is specifically the hinge joint which links your mandible or lower jaw into your skull’s temporal bone. Your temporal bone is the bone found in the front part of your ear, in both sides of your head.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) refers to the joint found in a person’sjaw. It is specifically the hinge joint which links your mandible orlower jaw into your skull’s temporal bone. Your temporal bone is thebone found in the front part of your ear, in both sides of your head.The flexibility of the joint is undeniable, considering its ability tolet your jaw move side to side and down and up without any trouble. Italso guarantees ease in talking, chewing, smiling and yawning. Musclesfound in this joint works in taking complete control of the movementsand position of your jaw. TMJ has 6 major components. These are thefollowing:
TMJ disorder is a condition which triggers painful and dysfunctionaljaw joints and muscles that work in controlling the movements of yourjaw. Certain conditions affecting your chewing muscles and jaw jointalso fall under TMJ disorders. It should be noted that these disordersdiffer from one person to another. The responses of sufferers of thecondition also vary widely, depending upon the severity of their case.
TMJ disorders cause problems in your joint and jaw and the musclessurrounding them. One problem is pain that tends to travel allthroughout your neck, jaw or face. It also causes stiff jaw muscles,painful jaw popping or clicking, limited jaw movement, jaw lock andchanges in the manner through which your teeth fit together.
One of the primary causes of TMJ disorders is arthritis. This often resultsfrom injuries or teeth grinding at night. The problem might also becaused by disk dislocation or displacement. The affected disk is the onefound between your socket and jawbone. Displaced disks have thetendency of producing popping or clicking sounds, limitations in jawmovements, and pain when closing and opening your mouth.
There are also instances when the displaced disk that triggers TMJ disordersdevelop from a perforation or hole, which produces grating sounds whenmoving your joints. Other conditions that might trigger the probleminclude rheumatoid arthritis and trauma that trigger some parts of yourTMJ to fuse. This often leads to the prevention of proper jaw movements.
There are plenty of self-care or natural practices that are valuable in easing TMJ disorder symptoms. These include eating only soft foods, ice pack application, stress reduction and relaxation techniques Extreme jaw movements like prolonged gum chewing, loud singing and wide yawning should also be prevented.
This is useful when worn over your teeth because of its effectivenessin providing an aid in treating malocclusion and TMJ disorders. Thesplints can also be used in preventing your teeth from coming together.This reduces the risk of clenching or grinding your teeth. Splints arealso useful in removing pressure from the muscles and joints of yourjaw.
Using over-the-counter pain relief medications is often beneficial forTMJ disorder sufferers. Sufferers can also try using anti-inflammatoryand non-steroidal drugs like Ibuprofen. These medications can offertemporary relief from the discomfort in your joint. Contacting yourdentist to receive prescriptions for strong anti-inflammatory or painrelief medications, anti-depressants and muscle relaxants can also helpthose who wish to obtain relief from the severe symptoms of the problem.
A good dentist is someone who can offer information about the bestexercises to help your jaw relax, and ensure that its movements aresafe for your dental and oral health. Exercises and stretches ideal intreating TMJ disorders are those that strengthen and stretch your jawmuscles.
Your chosen dentist may also recommend surgical procedures if yourprevious treatments do not provide desirable results in treating TMJ.One famous surgical procedure for TMJ disorder is arthrocentesis. Thisprocess involves inserting needles into your joints as a means ofirrigating fluid directly to the joints and getting rid of anyinflammatory byproducts and debris.
Your dentist may also suggest surgical procedures designed to replace or repair your joint, in case the pain in your jaw does not go away with conservative treatments. These surgeries are also beneficial in case structural problems trigger
the disorder.
He is an experienced dental professional with a well-trained and proficient staff. Expect to cure your TMJ disorder after visiting Dr. Flowers’ dental office and dealing with him and his highly competent team.
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