TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint. This joint connects your jaw to the skull and facilitates the movement you make with your jaw. Without the TMJ, normal functions such as speaking, chewing, and yawning would not be possible.
When you experience discomfort or pain while performing the functions mentioned above, you are said to have a TMJ disorder abbreviated as TMD. In case your neck or head is injured during an accident or maybe an assault, you should visit a dentist near you for an examination.
Apart from injury, dentists in Pleasant Hill CA have identified the following factors as catalysts which increase the likelihood of you getting the disorder:
Practicing basic oral hygiene may prove to be hectic when you have TMD. This is because of the excruciating pain you feel when you open your mouth. This makes oral practices like brushing and flossing of teeth very uncomfortable.
Our dentist at Grafton Dental recommends the following tips to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy:
The following are symptoms of TMJ disorder as noted by Lafayette TMJ dentists:
There are cases where the symptoms wear off without treatment. Dentist in Pleasant Hill CA recommends you book an appointment with a TMJ expert, doctor, or dentist if you are completely unable to open your mouth or the pain persists.
After examining your jaw, your dentist will conduct more detailed tests like taking an X-ray if he suspects something is wrong. With this information, he will provide you with the necessary TMJ disorder treatment.
The following are options for TMJ disorder treatment:
Surgery or other procedures
These include; modified condylotomy, injection, arthrocentesis, open-joint surgery, and TMJ arthroscopy. Surgery is recommended in cases where your joint has an issue. In case your TMJ is severely damaged, your dentist is likely going to recommend you replace it.
Medication
The following medication options may assist in relieving TMJ pain:
Home remedies and lifestyle
TMJ treatment is commonly done at home. It is possible to reduce the symptoms following tips:
Treating existing conditions
There are cases where TMD wears without any medical treatment. In Pleasant Hill, dentists may recommend some exercises that help treat the temporomandibular joint disorder. These exercises are claimed to have the following benefits:
These exercises are:
When you decide to do the exercises, you should start at a slow pace. As you progress, your TMJ pain will become more bearable and finally wears off. Visit us today at Grafton Dental for the best TMJ treatment in Pleasant Hill.