The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge joint that connects a person’s jaw to their skull. It’s what allows people to talk, chew, and yawn. However, if someone has TMJ disorder, this simple movement can become painful. TMJ disorder is a very common condition. In fact, it’s estimated that as many as 10 million people are affected by TMJ disorder in the United States alone.
The types of TMJ treatments in Greensburg, PA, varies depending on the severity of a patient’s symptoms. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for TMJ disorder, but there are treatments that can help relieve the pain and other symptoms. Continue reading to learn more about the different types of TMJ treatment options.
How TMJ Can Impact You
When a patient is affected by TMJ disorder, they can experience a number of symptoms. These symptoms can include a toothache, or other dental problems -such as a cavity- that irritates the joint and causes it to swell, which can cause pain in the patients face, neck, and jaw.
A persons TMJ can also be affected by them wearing ill-fitting dentures, grinding their teeth (bruxism), or chewing on hard objects. TMJ disorder can also be caused by an injury or trauma to the head, jaw, or mouth. TMJ symptoms can be somewhat different from person to person, but the most common symptoms of TMJ are:
- Pain in a person’s jaw that may radiate to their ear
- Pain in the muscles around a person’s face and neck
- Headaches that are linked with TMJ disorder
- Opening and closing the mouth is painful
- Snapping or popping sounds happen when opening and closing the mouth
- Grinding, clicking, or locking of the jaw
Options For TMJ Treatments In Greensburg, PA
Mild cases of TMJ can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers. A trusted doctor can also recommend using a mouth guard to help reduce the pain they feel when they open or close their mouth.
Moderate cases of TMJ disorder may require patients to wear a mouth guard at night. In some cases, a doctor may recommend that patients have an X-rays taken to determine if there are any problems with the joint or surrounding bones.
In order to avoid teeth grinding and clenching, a custom-made mouthguard or occlusal splint may be recommended, particularly since TMJ is often associated with malocclusion of a person’s bite and smile. These are often worn at night but can also be made for the daytime to protect a patient’s teeth whenever they clench or grind them.
Similar to a sports guard, these oral appliances are made to form a barrier between a patient’s top and bottom teeth. Custom made to fit every patient’s unique smile, they can fit snuggly over the patient’s teeth. Each oral appliance is made to protect a patient’s teeth while also helping their jaw move into a more relaxed position. Additional treatment option may include orthognathic surgery and arthrocentesis.
You Should Get Treated For Your TMJ
TMJ disorder can be a debilitating condition that greatly impacts the quality of a person’s life. This is why it’s very important to select a dental professional that has the experience and modern technology to relieve any condition related symptoms.
A highly experienced dental professional can offer state-of-the-art technology and expertise to identify and treat TMJ-related causes and symptoms, giving patient’s normal jaw function and comfortability again. TMJ treatments in Greensburg, PA can positively impact the quality of a patient’s life!
We Can Give You Your TMJ Treatment
Be free of TMJ related pain and discomfort at our friendly and modern dental office. Get in contact with Dr. Edward Halusic, Dr. McCloy, and Dr. Ryan McCloy at our The Facial Surgery Center office to schedule an appointment today!
