Gresham TMJ Treatment
What Is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD or TMJ) is a common problem that patients suffer from. The symptoms include pain in the jaw, and surrounding muscles, which can spread upwards toward the forehead and down the neck. Many patients complain or experience a popping or clicking in the joint, predominantly when they are eating, or chewing. In some instances, TMJ will be temporary, and any muscle pain can be treated with heat and ice, but that is merely dealing with the symptoms rather than the underlying causes.
Left untreated TMJ can lead to other problems such as headaches, muscle pain, and tooth damage, which is often as a result of constant tooth grinding, which is another symptom of TMJ.
How Do We Treat TMJ At Main Street Dental in Gresham?
With so many muscles, tendons and a joint involved, there are a number of different treatment options available, and the first part of the process is for our team to identify what is the root cause of your TMJ, before deciding on the most appropriate form of treatment. Sometimes the procedures can involve pain-relieving injections and muscle relaxants. We may also advise you to employ specific lifestyle changes, something as simple as not making any sudden jaw movements, or yelling loudly, causing your mouth to open wide sound like small changes, but can make a significant difference.
Other options will include wearing a bite guard while sleeping to prevent your teeth from grinding, which can also potentially help your mouth to realign over time and give your muscles time to relax. In very rare situations, surgery may be required, but as with all of our treatments, our aim to remove any pain and help you to enjoy a good night’s sleep, and wake up feeling refreshed.
Did you know…
that TMD alone is not a disorder, but instead a collection of disorders that affect the temporomandibular joint? It is the second most common pain-causing musculoskeletal condition in the U.S. according to the U.S. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, as many as 12 percent of Americans may suffer from some type of TMD, with women twice as likely to be affected than men. But despite the prevalence and wide availability of treatment, only one out every three people with TMD fails to seek treatment.
Gresham TMJ Treatment FAQ
Q: What Causes TMJ?
A: TMJ can be caused by many different issues, such as trauma, teeth grinding, otherwise known as bruxism, arthritis and even neck conditions. TMJ needs to be treated both in the short and long term, due to the fact that it is a degenerative condition, and therefore needs to be appropriately managed.
Q: I Suffer Regularly From Painful Headaches – Could TMJ Be The Reason?
A: Many different issues can cause headaches, so if you are suffering from constant headaches, then it might be advisable to consult with your doctor as well. However, TMJ could well be a cause of your headaches, which may be exacerbated by stress. Stress causes us to clench our teeth, which in turn increases the pressure on our jaw joints. This can then lead to pain in the joint and surrounding muscles, eventually developing into TMJ.
Q: I Am Worried That I Will Need Surgery For My TMJ
A: Although surgery is one form of treatment, it is only used as a last resort when all other less invasive alternatives have been explored. It is very rare for surgery to be required, and in the vast majority of patients, most treatments reduce or minimize the problem without the need for surgery.
Q: Can I Wait and See If The Problem Resolves Itself Naturally?
A: Whatever dental problem you are suffering with, they will rarely if ever resolve themselves, and delaying treatment can lead to further more severe problems. In the case of TMJ, this could include arthritis of the joint, or in extreme cases, the jaw could lock, which would then require much more invasive surgery. In both instances, this is unnecessary and not a solution we would recommend.
Q: How do I know if TMJ treatment is right for me?
A: You will first need to be formally examined and diagnosed with TMJ disorder. You dentist will evaluate the extent of the condition and determine what course of treatment is best for you. Usually, the initial approach involves conservative treatments, such as self-care, physical therapy and bite guards. Medications may also be used to relax the jaw or relieve pain. Patients who do not respond to conservative treatments may be considered for surgery or joint injections.
Q: What should I expect if I undergo treatment for TMJ
A: Gresham TMJ treatment varies from patient to patient, so your experience may be very different than someone else’s. You’ll probably be asked to adopt certain lifestyle changes to help facilitate rehabilitation in your jaw. For example, you may be asked to avoid sudden jaw movements, such as yelling or yawning. You may also need to begin sleeping on your back and take steps to reduce your stress levels.
Q: Will I need to follow any special post-care instructions while being treated for TMJ?
A: Your post-treatment care instructions will vary according to the type of treatment you receive. If you undergo an aggressive treatment, such as surgery, you may be temporarily subject to an all-liquid diet. You’ll also need to apply ice to the face to minimize swelling and also keep the surgical site clean and dry.
TMJ can be one of the most painful issues that our patients have to deal with, but the treatment options are significant and in most cases pain-free and straightforward to implement. Do not suffer in silence; book an appointment to visit one of our friendly dentists at Main Street Dental today. After a quick consultation, we will be able to answer any questions you might have, and implement a series of treatments to rectify the pain and ensuing problems.
Have Us Call You!
Quick Links
Dental Services
- And More...
Contact Us
-
Email Address:
[email protected] -
Our team is available to answer your calls:
Mon-Thu 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Friday 7:00 am to 3:00 pm
