subject: Questions And Answers About Tmj Disorders Restorative Dentistry Discussion [print this page] TMJ disorders involve the joint which helps with chewing, talking, and other mouth movements, such as yawning. You have these joints on each side of your head, right where your skull and bottom jawbone meet.
There are many causes of TMJ disorders, including trauma caused by accidents, wisdom and molar teeth extractions, arthritis in the joint, teeth grinding, and the jaw moving out of proper alignment. Sometimes there is an obvious cause, and sometimes the cause is not ever found. There are particular things which may increase your risk of having problems with TMJ, including grinding your teeth, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and facial bone deformities.
The symptoms of TMJ disorders include having pain or tenderness around the jaw area, ear ache type pain, having pain or difficulty with chewing, feeling achy in the facial area, clicking or popping when you open or close your mouth, headaches, and having a bite that is not even. If you experience pain, tenderness, or aching in the area of your face, jaw, or ears, or if you have problems opening or closing your mouth, you should see a doctor or dentist who treats TMJ disorders.
There are many ways to treat TMJ, including using medications, and being treated by a doctor or dentist. Some of the most commonly used medications for TMJ disorders are NSAIDs, which may help with inflammation. Other medications that are sometimes prescribed include anti-depressants, muscle relaxers, and corticosteroids.
Your doctor or dentist may also recommend using a bite-plate or night-guard to keep you from grinding your teeth and help with aligning your bite. If you are missing teeth, fillings, or crowns, replacing them may help. You may also be referred to a special dentist who will be able to do surgery to repair some types of trauma or damage in the jaw or mouth area.
If you are having symptoms of TMJ disorders, you may be advised by your doctor or dentist to try some alternative treatments. These may include deep breathing techniques, muscle relaxation, visualization, and meditation. Using alternative medicine may also include seeing a chiropractor and having your back or neck aligned. Alternative treatments may help deal with some of the symptoms, such as the pain and discomfort that many people experience with TMJ disorders.
by: Penelope Stone
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