Do you have discomfort in the jaw joint / facial joint, as well as in the cheeks and/or temples, spreading to your scalp, ears and other parts?
Are you having trouble completely opening and closing your mouth?
When you open and close your mouth, can you hear a clicking or grinding sound around your jaw joint?
If you answered yes, it can be a temporomandibular joint disorder, commonly referred to as TMJ Disorder or TMD. The jaw joint is affected by this disorder, which can make chewing and speaking painful.
These aches and pains might be caused by the muscles that move the temporomandibular joint, often known as the TMJ, in the jaw.
TMJ Disorders / TMD
The ability to open and close one’s mouth is facilitated by the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and associated jaw muscles. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint between the jaw bone (mandible) & the skull (glenoid fossa) along with the muscles and ligaments on either side of the skull near the ears. These joints coordinate chewing, speaking, and swallowing. Movements of the lower jaw (mandible) forwards, backwards, and side to side are also under their control. These Joints are very important in functioning of oral system.
A disc sits between the ball and socket of each TMJ. The disc cushions the weight while permitting the jaw to open widely and spin or glide. A painful TMJ dysfunction can be the consequence of any issue that disrupts the normal functioning of this intricate network of muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorders / TMD
The severity of the symptoms associated with temporomandibular disorders varies widely. The presence of symptoms does not always indicate that a patient cannot do their daily tasks. Women are more likely to experience TMDs than men.
Common symptoms include:
- Unexplained Pain in and around the ear
- Tender jaw muscles
- Jaw clicking or popping
- Difficulties opening or closing the mouth
- Pain during yawning or eating
- Headaches that give the impression that the jaw joints are “locked,” “stuck,” or “go out”
- Swollen face
Treating TMJ Disorders / TMD
Specialist Dentists ( Team of Orthodontists, Prosthodontists & Maxillofacial Surgeons ) in Hyderabad can assist patients with TMJ issue finding relief from their symptoms without resorting to surgery by prescribing medication, recommending physical therapy, and counselling them on how to make some simple lifestyle modifications.
In order to treat TMJ condition, your specialist dentist might choose from a number of available drug options. You might first be given an anti-inflammatory medication to deal with the pain. They may choose a stronger medication, such a muscle relaxant or tricyclic antidepressant, if your pain is severe. As an added bonus to relieving sadness and anxiety, these antidepressants have been shown to reduce teeth grinding.
The specialist dentist may also suggest physical therapy as part of the treatment plan for a TMJ issue. To do so, you may need to perform physical jaw stretches and apply wet heat and cold to the afflicted areas. Dentists may also recommend that patients wear a mouth guard or oral splint to avoid teeth grinding.
The progression of TMJ problem might be slowed by making adjustments to the patient’s way of life. Some examples of these kind of adjustments to one’s way of life include giving up gummy foods like chewing gums and hard sweets, cutting down on the size of one’s meal portions, and switching to chewing on only one side of the mouth at a time.
But be aware that, all of the above mentioned therapies are for temporary relief or in case of mild TMJ disorders, to get the permanent relief you may need to undergo various therapies like Laser therapy, TENS therapy, TMJ Splint therapy, Orthodontic teeth correction, Functional corrections, Surgical corrections according to severity of the condition.
Patients with severe cases of TMJ problem may potentially benefit from a small number of surgical therapies that are rarely used. The non-invasive alternatives to surgical intervention for TMJ therapy appear to be effective for most individuals.
Leaving TMJ Disorders / TMD Untreated?
When a TMJ condition goes untreated, the discomfort experienced by the sufferer does not improve but rather worsens with time. Due to the excruciating discomfort associated with chewing and swallowing, many people with TMJ may start to eat less, which can lead to malnutrition. There are a number of negative effects on the body as a result of this, including a weakened immune system, muscular atrophy, and light headedness.
TMJ patients are particularly vulnerable since dizziness is often a first symptom of their condition. A TMJ patient’s inner-imbalance, brought on by the illness, might manifest in ways that affect their posture and movement. Plus, their teeth will wear out too quickly since they grind them so often. Now you know why it’s crucial to treat TMJ condition as soon as symptoms appear, or better yet, to prevent it from ever developing. When it comes to TMJ conditions the earlier you get diagnosed and treated, the less invasive and more comfortable it is.
Final Note
What is the simplest way to avoid TMJ disorder? Schedule regular visits with your dental care professional in Hyderabad. If you have any of the TMJ disorder symptoms, come see us at Kigo Dental. We can identify your TMJ condition and provide a TMJ pain treatment plan.
