Causes, Symptoms, and Permanent Cure Of TMJ Pain

Your lower jaw connects to the skull by a joint in front of the ears known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). These joints are flexible and enable you to move your jaw and perform activities that entail opening and closing your mouth. However, when they are injured or inflamed, it results in a disorder known as a temporomandibular joint disorder.

A patient with TMJ disorder experiences mild to sharp pain in the temporomandibular joints and muscles. TMJ treatment in Citrus Heights, CA, provides relief for the symptoms and permanently cures the temporomandibular joint disorder.

Causes of TMJ Pain

TMJ pain occurs when the cartilage at the TMJ is damaged or when the small disk that absorbs shock and ensures smooth movement is eroded or moved out of its proper alignment.

TMJ damage and erosion may take place due to:

1. Trauma to the jaw
2. Age-related wear and tear
3. Chewing repeatedly
4. Chronic clenching of the jaw or grinding of teeth
5. Hereditary structural jaw problems
6. Arthritis

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

Individuals with TMJ disorder experience pain and discomfort at different levels. You may have two or more of the following signs and symptoms of the disorder.

1. Difficulty speaking or chewing due to pain.
2. Locking of the joint, which makes it difficult to open or close the mouth
3. Pain around the face and neck
4. Jaw tenderness or pain
5. Clicking sounds or grating sensation when opening the mouth
6. Pain in and around your ear
7. Malocclusion
8. Neck pain
9. Blurred vision
10. Headaches and migraines

TMJD Treatment

The Temporomandibular joint disorder can worsen if left untreated, thereby requiring severe medical intervention. Apart from excruciating and debilitating pain, the untreated joint can lead to eating disorders, malnutrition, and depression.

It is, therefore, essential to seek proper TMJ treatment near you.

Mild cases of the TMJ disorder can be treated at home with some self-care practices that will ease the symptoms.

Some of these are:

• Reduce jaw movements
• Consume soft foods
• Use cold compresses to reduce the swelling and pain
• Avoid chewing repeatedly
• Use moist heat or place a bottle of warm water on the site to increase blood flow and supply for muscle relaxation.
• Use pain-relieving medication
• Medication to relax the jaw muscles

When the symptoms do not ease even after these home remedies, you must seek treatment from a dentist near you experienced in treating the TMJ disorder. Your dentist may use any of these methods to cure your disorder.

• Physical Therapy

The dental team will improve jaw movement through jaw exercises such as the relaxed jaw, chin tucks, tongue up, resist the closing of the mouth and resist the opening of the mouth. These joint-specific movements are incredibly beneficial in treating TMJ disorder.

• Custom-Made Splints

These splints are fitted over your lower or upper teeth and act as a cushion to keep you from clenching or grinding your teeth. As you wear the splints, your TMJ has time to rest and heal quickly. It would help if you consumed a soft diet during this time so that the joint does not strain as you chew.

• Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation

Low voltage electric shocks are used to treat TMJD pain. The current modes are inserted in the inflamed region, and electric currents pass through the nerves to relieve the pain.

• Botox

The dentist may use Botox® treatments to reduce tension in the nerves and muscle of the affected joint.

• Dental Treatment

Corrective dental treatment is carried out to improve your bite and align your teeth properly.

• Surgery

Surgery is usually the last option in treating TMJD and is only recommended when the other options fail to treat your condition. Surgical TMJ treatment in Citrus Heights, CA, is performed to remove fluid and debris from the joint and reposition it or replace the joint.

Can TMJ Be Cured Permanently?

Yes, TMJ disorder can be cured permanently with treatment from a trained specialist. The specialists at Airway Sleep and TMJ Solutions can eliminate the disorder and all the symptoms permanently.

A careful analysis of the signs and a complete analysis of the affected jaw and teeth is performed to determine the underlying cause of the pain. The team works with this information to find permanent relief for your pain and discomfort.