Sterling Heights TMJ Dentist – Birmingham TMJ and Sleep
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You understand how unpleasant temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) may be if you have it. Nobody should endure suffering in quiet. Here are 7 strong arguments for why you should seek dental care for TMJ pain.
You don’t consider your temporomandibular joint when you open your mouth to speak or swallow food, do you? Unless there is a problem, the majority of individuals don’t.
The TMJ is another name for the temporomandibular joint. It joins the jaw to the skull. You can move this joint to open and close your mouth. It enables you to move your jaw sideways, backward, and forward to chew and speak.
These joints are complicated since they can move in several different ways. A TMJ condition or TMJ is the term used to describe difficulties with these joints.
What Leads to TMJ Conditions?
A TMJ dysfunction may develop if there are issues with your jaw or face’s muscles or joints. Due to the fact that many of the symptoms overlap with those of other conditions, it can be challenging to diagnose TMJ disorders. You can receive the proper diagnosis with the aid of your dentist.
Let’s examine the warning signs and symptoms of TMJ conditions.
7 Justifications for Seeking TMJ Pain Treatment
These are the most typical signs of TMJ dysfunction. Contact your dentist for TMJ pain therapy if you’re dealing with any of these symptoms.
1. Jaw, cheek, or ear discomfort
2. Headaches similar to migraines
3. discomfort and strain behind your eyes
4. The mouth making clicking or popping noises when it opens and closes
5. A jaw that feels out of joint or locks in place
6. Soreness or sensitivity in the jaw muscles
7. A bloated face
It’s possible that something evident, like an injury or teeth grinding, caused your TMJ. However, the cause may not always be obvious. Teeth that are not in proper alignment or arthritis might cause TMJ.
The type of treatment you receive depends on the cause of your TMJ condition.
Treatment for TMJ
TMJ can be a symptom of a problem with the face muscles, pain in the jaw joint, or a problem with the joint itself. Most issues, whether they are muscular or joint-related, become better with time. Therefore, it’s preferable to start with a conservative course of action.
Advice for Home Relief Quickly
TMJ issues are typically transient. Home remedies frequently result in improved health. In some cases, symptoms go away on their own. A sudden reappearance of the discomfort is also possible.
Since home remedies help the majority of patients with TMJ disorders. For the best outcomes, most dentists advise combining the following procedures.
Eat only soft foods
By adhering to these recommendations, your jaw can recover.
Consume soft foods that require little chewing.
Skip the crunchy and hard foods.
Prepare food by chopping it up.
Avoid eating anything that causes you to expand your mouth widely.
On a diet of soft foods, the majority of people are pain-free after two or three weeks. Some people might require soft foods for a longer amount of time.
Exercise, moist heat, and ice pack routine
Some individuals get relief from a regimen of moist heat, exercise, and ice packs. For ten minutes, apply heat to your temple and side of your face. Any tense muscles should loosen up as a result.
Do a few stretches after that. In between your upper front teeth, place your left thumb. In front of your lower front teeth, place your right index and middle fingers. Your hands should be used in a gentle fashion to pull the jaw apart. Don’t clench your jaw.
Apply an ice pack to the side of your face for five minutes to complete the routine. Make an effort to finish the exercise multiple times each day. With TMJ issues, physical therapy frequently benefits the patient.
Medicines
Many medications are available that can be helpful. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), which are available over-the-counter, reduce muscle pain and swelling.
You could require a muscle relaxant if you grind your jaw or clench your teeth. You need a prescription for this. For a brief period, a doctor may recommend anti-anxiety prescription medications.
Splint
A splint could relieve some of the stress on your muscles and joints if you grind or clench your teeth. The teeth are covered by splints. They stop the upper and lower teeth from contacting one another. You should wear a splint for the recommended amount of time every day or night if your dentist recommends one.
Stop using a splint and see your doctor if it makes your pain worse.
Advice for Pain Management
Try these ideas to relieve discomfort and agony.
Avoid making loud noises like singing or yelling.
Avoid chewing ice or gum.
To avoid yawning
space your teeth widely.
Instead of sleeping on your stomach, try to do so.
Keep your chin off of your hand.
Avoid placing the phone in your shoulder or ear.
Try to calm down and relax.
Be mindful of the things you might do to cause jaw pain so you can prevent them.
Options for Treatment in Serious TMJ Cases
There are numerous options for treating TMJ problem. If basic treatment doesn’t improve your issue, you could require extra assistance. Doctors occasionally recommend surgery or other treatments, such as injections. Here are a few instances of cutting-edge medical care.
Electrical Nerve Stimulation Transcutaneously (TENS)
Low-level electrical currents are used during TENS therapy. The jaw joint and facial muscles are relaxed by the currents. Either at home or in a dentist office, patients receive care.
Ultrasound
An ultrasonic therapy involves applying intense heat to a painful or stiff joint. It frequently includes physical treatment.
injections at trigger points
Painful face muscles are injected with anesthesia or painkillers by the dentist. The patient stretches his or her jaw muscles while the pain medication is acting.
Acupuncture
Some patients discover that acupuncture helps pain brought on by TMJ conditions.
Surgery
Surgery is typically only considered by doctors and patients when all other treatments have failed. You could require surgery to treat the disease if pain and functional issues continue.
Surgery is the first option in other circumstances. Surgery could be required for people who have degenerative diseases or accident-related injuries. Less conservative therapies won’t work.
Get a backup plan at all times before having surgery. Even though it usually works, it’s crucial to comprehend the advantages and pitfalls.
For an experienced and trusted Sterling Heights TMJ Dentist, call Birmingham TMJ and Sleep at (586) 979-1900.