TMJ Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a severe complication that may occur due to issues with your jaw and the surrounding muscles. The TMJ is an axis that connects your jaw's lower end to the skull. This joint appears on both sides of your head just above the ear. TMJ injuries may result from trauma, including a blow to the head or whiplash. Also, they may occur due to clenching or grinding of teeth or arthritic conditions. Luckily, your dentist can manage TMJ disorder using proper restorative dentistry procedures, including medication, replacing missing teeth, correcting bite issues by using braces, and applying bridges or crowns. For more information about TMJ therapy procedures, visit Bridge City Smiles Family Dental.Possible Signs of Temporomandibular Joint DisorderHere are some common signs you will experience when suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder. If you have any of these symptoms, reach out to us as soon as possible. Pain in the Jaw JointThe most common symptom of TMD is pain in your jaw joint. This can be caused by an injury or inflammation of the temporomandibular joint. It's possible to have a more severe condition called TMD if you experience pain in multiple joints of your temporomandibular joint. Difficulty When ChewingDifficulty chewing is a common symptom of temporomandibular joint disorder that almost everyone experiences as their first sign. It may be caused by pain, muscle spasms in the mouth, and stiffness in the jaw. Sometimes it can be caused by an underlying dental problem or injury to the teeth, jaw, or neck muscles. Stiffness in JawSome people experience stiffness or tightness in their jaw when they chew. This can be caused by multiple factors, including nutritional deficiencies (poor diet), repetitive stress on muscles (such as grinding your teeth), sports injuries to muscles used in chewing movements, tooth decay, and periodontal disease (inflammation around your gums). Possible TMD Therapy ProceduresThere are ways to help your TMD. Your dentist may perform the following therapies to remedy your temporomandibular disorder. MedicationAntibiotics, such as amoxicillin or metronidazole, can kill bacteria causing gingivitis. It would be best if you took these antibiotics for only a short time, usually two to four weeks. This will help you manage your symptoms. Be sure to tell your dentist about any medical conditions or if you are taking any prescribed medications before taking these antibiotics. Replacing Missing TeethIf you have suffered from a tooth that has fallen out, your dentist may recommend replacement by a specialist in dentistry. The treatment process is quite simple and will not take long at all. During the procedure, the dentist will first remove the decayed portion of the tooth and prepare it for replacement, after which they will insert a new tooth into the socket. This procedure can be completed in as little as an hour, depending on how many teeth need to be replaced. Correcting BitesEdges are often caused by the shifting of muscles in the jaw that cause pain and inflammation. The most common treatment for temporomandibular disorders is to correct bites by realigning teeth and reducing overjet. Your dentist may use dental cement, bonding agents, or braces for bite corrections. Importance of Managing TMJ DisordersUsing the correct TMJ therapy procedure to manage your TMD has incredible benefits. For instance, you will notice reduced pain in the jaw, increased comfort when chewing, the softness of the jaw, improved speech, and a better facial appearance. For more information about TMJ restorative procedures, visit Bridge City Smiles Family Dental. Call us at (971) 978-0266 for additional information. |
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