The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex structure that consists of a series of muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones that help with the movements of the jaw. It acts like a sliding hinge that connects the lower jaw bone to the skull. There is one joint on each side of the jaw, right at the front of the ear. When the jaw and the joints are properly aligned, actions like chewing, yawning, talking, and swallowing can take place without any difficulty. However, if there are problems with the joint or any of the associated structures like the muscles and ligaments, you may experience difficulty performing some of these simple but essential everyday actions.
Any problem that prevents the complex TMJ system from working together in harmony to facilitate the forward, backward, and sideways movements of the jaw may be a cause for TMJ dysfunction. The condition is characterized by a variety of symptoms that all-cause some level of discomfort or pain around the face and neck. Common signs for TMJ disorders include clicking of the jaw, headaches, earaches, locking of the jaw, limited mouth motions, clenching or grinding of teeth, and pain that radiates behind the eyes, in the face, or the neck.
At R. Boyd Gilleland DDS, we have a TMJ specialist in Port Charlotte to handle all your problems associated with this complex joint. if you are not sure whether you are having a TMJ headache or a normal headache, you will get a proper diagnosis followed by the most suitable type of treatment to ensure you get TMJ pain relief, and even do away with it for good. The best treatment for you will be determined by factors such as your age, the state of your overall health, medical history, the severity of the condition, and your preference or opinion.
What Are the Treatment Options for TMJ Disorders?
When you visit a dentist in Port Charlotte for TMJ-related disorders, you will first be advised to try home-based treatments. If that does not work, medical intervention is necessary to get to the root of your TMJ dysfunction.
Home-based treatment includes:
- Practicing good posture
- Using hot or cold compress packs for at least 10 minutes, several times a day.
- Performing gentle stretches and massaging the neck and jaw muscles
- Learn and practice relaxation techniques to help loosen the jaw
- Avoid unnecessary or extreme jaw movements like chewing gum
- Alternative medicine such as acupuncture and biofeedback is sometimes used too.
Medical treatment for TMJ disorders includes:
- Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories may be prescribed for a certain period of time to help you cope with the pain and discomfort.
- Tricyclic antidepressants used in low doses can help relieve pain and control bruxism.
- If your condition is triggered by muscle spasms, muscle relaxants are used for a few days or weeks to loosen up TMJ-associated muscles.
- To keep your jaw in place, it might be necessary to get fitted for oral splints or mouth guards.
- Physical therapy can be used to strengthen and stretch the jaw.
- As a last resort, surgery may be necessary. Types of surgical procedures used to correct problems with the TMJ range from non-invasive to traditional surgery. They include procedures like arthrocentesis, injections, TMJ arthroscopy, modified condylotomy, and open-joint surgery.
Treating TMJ pain will not happen overnight. It takes some patience for you to notice positive results. As a precaution, do not attempt any form of treatment without consulting your dentist or specialist first, as this may only worsen your situation. Whenever you experience any symptom associated with TMJ, do not wait until it is too advanced before getting help. The sooner you seek treatment, the easier it will be to treat it and have your life back.