TMJ disorder affects the joints on either side of the head, both of which connect to the jaw. When there is any sort of dysfunction, the result is a disorder, which is often diagnosed, treated and managed by a general dentist. Understanding the cause of the TMJ disorder helps the dentist determine the appropriate course of treatment.
General dentists are dental professionals who have been properly trained in how the jaw functions, which makes them experts at addressing TMJ disorders. General dentists can offer their patients who are suffering from TMJ pain a few different treatment options in order to ease their suffering. Since every patient is different, consultation appointments are necessary.
According to the American Dental Association, diagnosis is an important step before treatment, which includes a dental examination of checking the joints and muscles for tenderness, clicking, popping or difficulty moving.
Below is a list of some of the more common treatment options that general dentists offer their dental patients who have been diagnosed with TMJ.
TMJ patients who clench or grind their teeth will often benefit from wearing a custom-made nightguard. Nightguards are beneficial in that they help prevent someone from clenching or grinding their teeth when sleeping, as this is known to make TMJ worse. They are also designed to realign one’s jaw while they are sleeping, which helps take any tension off of the jaw joints. For patients who need more than night treatment, dental splints are an option, which are worn during the day.
Some TMJ patients will benefit by taking a medication that is prescribed by a general dentist. The overall goal of these dental medications is to help patients relax enough so that they are not placing any stress in or around their jaw area. Examples of the types of medications general dentists may offer include muscle relaxants, anti-anxiety drugs, anti-inflammatory medications and analgesics. For patients who are experiencing extreme TMJ pain, temporary prescription pain relievers may be an option.
There are certain exercises a general dentist can recommend for their patients in order to strengthen their jaw muscles. The purpose of these exercises is to stretch the entire mouth area, which in turn helps to make the jaw area stronger. Once the jaw is made stronger, patients may experience less or even no pain.
Those suffering from TMJ may also benefit from learning a few relaxation techniques. The purpose of relaxing the jaw area is to reduce the amount of stress in the jaw, which in turn helps to reduce the amount of pain being experienced.
Have any questions about TMJ? There is typically not just one treatment that reduces and eliminates TMJ pain, which is why a consultation is necessary. Reach out today to find out more or to get started with an appointment.
Are you considering TMJ treatment in the Lake Forest area? Get more information at https://stunningsmilesoflakeforest.com.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: TMJ Dentist in Lake Forest, CA.
TMJ disorder, or temporomandibular joint disorders, refers to a group of issues related to mobility and discomfort around the jaw joints. The temporomandibular joints are the joints that link the lower jawbone (mandible) to the skull. More than any other joint in the body, these flexible joints are constantly in use, performing actions such as…
Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders, also commonly referred to as TMJ, are a group of conditions that cause pain as well as dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control the movement of the jaw. Although it is not fully known how many people have TMJ disorders, it is estimated that millions of…
TMJ disorder is a common issue that can result from teeth grinding and other dental concerns. Most instances are minor, but TMJ that is left untreated can linger or worsen into a more serious issue. Many instances of jaw pain are caused by TMJ, and it is helpful to understand the symptoms of TMJ and…
Wondering if you have TMJ, also known as temporomandibular disorder? Whenever you are experiencing any type of dental-related problem, making an appointment with a dental professional as soon as possible is necessary. If you do not, then your dental problem will only continue to get worse until you do.Learning more about TMJ is a great…
Emergency dentistry treatments can treat your cracked tooth. This type of dental damage can be painful and often debilitating, especially if the crack reaches the deeper parts of the tooth. Treating this dental damage can stop the discomfort. If you want to find out how emergency dentistry can help your cracked tooth, here are the…
A dental veneer is a thin cap that fits over a damaged tooth. It creates the appearance of a new white tooth. Dental veneers are a popular option for repairing minor chips and damage. They can also make the teeth appear straight without resorting to orthodontics. Compared to surgery, fitting a dental veneer is a…