What is the Most Efficient TMJ Treatment?

What is the Most Efficient TMJ Treatment?

August 15, 2022

 

 

 

 

 

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that allows the opening and closing of the mouth. A TMJ disorder is usually characterized by headache, clicking sounds when opening/closing the mouth, and neck and jaw pain. If not treated, TMJ disorder can have a tolling effect on your life if you can receive TMJ treatment in Citrus Heights, CA.

If you experience TMJ disorder symptoms, visit a sleep doctor in 95610 for diagnosis. Usually, some symptoms are similar to those caused by other conditions, thus requiring a professional diagnosis. Sacramento Natural Dentistry have qualified experts who offer TMJ disorder treatment.

There are several treatment options for TMJ disorders. You can receive TMJ physical therapy near you if you notice TMJ symptoms.

What Causes TMJ Disorder?

There is no exact cause of TMJ disorders. It is usually a combination of many factors, varying from person to person. Some of the reasons include;

  • Teeth grinding (bruxism) or clenching teeth during sleep – mainly occurs due to sleep apnea.
  • Physical injury – if you get into an accident such as falling, sports accident, assault, or falling off a tree, your TMJ may sustain damages resulting in a disorder.
  • Infections – some infections affect the muscles that control the TMJ, causing pain when talking or chewing.
  • Dental surgery – your TMJ joint and supporting ligaments may experience pain following dental surgery.
  • Stress – Stress is a secondary causative agent of TMJ disorder. It causes hormonal changes, teeth grinding, and clenching, which leads to TMJ disorders.

Other Causes Include:

  • Arthritis
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Jaw muscle fatigue
  • Genetics
  • Poor dental work

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

  • Stiff neck and jaw
  • Limited jaw movement
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Dizziness

If you don’t treat TMJ disorder, it leads to severe health problems such as tooth loss, persistent headaches, chronic jaw pain, digestive issues, and heart problems.

TMJ Disorder Treatment Options

Treatment options for TMJ disorder are broad. Conservative treatments, which are often reversible if possible, are highly advisable. Conservative treatments are non-invasive. However, if out of options, you can get surgical treatment. Treatment options range from at-home remedies to clinical options. There is no single most appropriate treatment option. Instead, dentists use a combination of treatment options to manage TMJ disorders effectively.

  • Lifestyle modification

This option is usually ideal when stress and lifestyle factors cause TMJ disorders. Lifestyle modifications involve engaging in sporting activities, yoga, walking outside, and avoiding sitting for long hours.

  • Home therapy

You can treat TMJ disorder using home therapy. If experiencing flare-ups, ice your jaw or use a warm, moist compress to relax your muscles. You can also take some OTC anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain.

You can change your diet when experiencing flare-ups. You can start eating soft foods and avoid crunchy and chewy foods. You can further cut your food into small pieces.

  • TMJ Pain relief exercises

You can conduct basic exercises to alleviate pain. You can also try TMJ massage as an advanced pain-relieving technique. You can perform them alone or with a partner, usually once or twice daily.

  • TMJ mouth guards and other dental appliances

Dental devices are one of the leading treatment methods for TMJ disorders. The devices include mouth guards and splints. They are fitted in the mouth if you suffer from sleep apnea and prevent teeth from grinding and clenching during sleep. Dentists may recommend braces to restore a proper bite and reduce the strain on your TMJ joint.

  • Medications

Several medications aid in TMJ pain treatment. The doctor should prescribe medicines because they depend on the symptoms you are experiencing. They include muscle relaxants, tricyclic antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications to minimize stress. It’s discouraged to use this treatment as a first-line treatment. Doctors usually recommend it as a secondary treatment option.

  • TMJ injections

Botox injections help manage severe TMJ pain. They relieve underlying pain in muscles.

  • Arthroscopy and arthrocentesis

These treatments are for when other treatments fail. They involve inserting a fiber-optic camera into the TMJ joint to investigate the cause of symptoms. Recovery takes about a week.

  • TMJ surgery

You can consider surgery when all other treatments are unsuccessful. It’s usually the last option for treatment due to its invasiveness. A TMJ surgery usually treats a severely damaged joint by repairing, repositioning, or replacing a part.

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