There are numerous joints in the oral cavity, each with specific sets of tasks. With the teeth performing the task of chewing food, the jaws also play a vital role in aiding to break down the food items.
The temporomandibular joints, also known as TMJ, act as a sliding hinge door and connect the jawbone to your skull. With time, the temporomandibular bones can develop a disorder that can cause severe pain in your jaw and the muscles that control your jaws’ movement.
THE OVERVIEW
The jaws are an integral part of your oral cavity. With consistent pain of the jaw bones and compromised movement, life can become difficult. The temporomandibular joints are placed on either side of your jaws, act as a sliding hinge, and connect the jawbones to your skull.
Although the exact cause of temporomandibular joints disorder cannot be ascertained, but a combination of factors can contribute to this jawbone disorder. A jaw bone injury or trauma, arthritis, or even genetics might cause the temporomandibular joint disorder. Even if you are in the habit of clenching your teeth, you increase the risk of being inflicted with the temporomandibular joint disorder.
In most cases, the joint pain can be cured with self-managed care as exercises, or non-surgical treatment. In severe cases, the dentist might recommend undergoing surgery.
SYMPTOMS
The most common symptoms of the temporomandibular joint disorder are discomfort and intense pain. You might experience difficulties in chewing or talking. The jaws might seem tender and accompanied by a slight swelling.
Aching pain around the ears is a common symptom of temporomandibular joint disorder. Simultaneously, some might also experience facial pain and pain in either or both of the temporomandibular joints. Locking of the joints can make it difficult for you to speak and eat and can be a symptom of a disorder of temporomandibular joints.
You might feel tired, and the muscles around the jaws can be painful. A suddenly uncomfortable bite while chewing or swelling inside your might invite concerns about the temporomandibular joint disorder and needs a prompt visit to the dentist. Dentists in Pearland, Texas, can treat the temporomandibular joint disorder.
Some added symptoms of the temporomandibular joint disorder can be dizziness, aches of the ear, problem in hearing, pain in the upper shoulder, tinnitus, and headaches. Looking for a “DENTIST NEAR ME” can fetch you numerous results, but PEARLAND DENTIST 77584 can aid you in proper diagnosis and treatment.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
The symptoms for temporomandibular joint disorder might seem common and can be mistaken as other ailments. To determine whether you are inflicted with a disorder of temporomandibular joints, you need to visit the dentist. My Aqua Dental has been treating temporomandibular joint disorders for patients in and around Pearland for long.
The dentist can check for intense pain and tenderness and look for pops or clicks in your joints as you speak or chew. If needed, the dentist might make you undertake a full X-ray of your jaws to identify the actual problem. Computer tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, can show if the temporomandibular joints are dislocated, or the disc is in the proper position as you move the jaws.
Although the dentist would be the best person to treat the temporomandibular joint disorder, and you might need surgeries in extreme cases, but some home remedies do work. Applying an ice pack on the affected area and temple for ten minutes can reduce the pain—a few stretches of the jawbones as instructed by your dentist or physical therapist.
An alternative cold and hot compress can relieve intense jaw pain. Ten minutes of an ice pack, followed by five minutes of warm compress with a hot towel, is clinically proven to provide excellent results.
Eating soft food like mashed potatoes, yogurt, scrambled eggs, soup, and mashed potatoes can reduce your jaws’ workload. Cutting the food into smaller parts can make it easier for you to chew. It is advisable to skip a hard meal.
Aqua Dental is equipped with the latest technologies and experienced dentists to assess and treat temporomandibular joint disorders. Contact us today for a discussion on TMJ DENTISTRY or a consultation. We are here to help you.