Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can interrupt your daily activities. This condition can prevent you from performing oral functions with ease. You can call your dentist about your symptoms. Knowing how your general dentist can help you with your TMJ disorder symptoms can motivate you to schedule a visit soon.
Diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders is part of this provider’s job. A general dentist knows and understands the functions of the jaw and its jaw joints. Offering solutions to patients with jaw joint conditions comes with the job. Here are the three main treatments a general dentist can provide.
Wearing a custom-fit appliance can help relieve bruxism symptoms. Research shows that this condition worsens TMJ disorders. A splint or bite guard can also keep the upper teeth from touching the lower teeth. A patient needs to wear this during the day. The general dentist can create a custom-fit nightguard for the patient to realign the jaw at night.
Cold and hot therapy alternates cold and hot packs to reduce or stop the pain. Perform this therapy up to four times a day. It helps relax the tense jaw muscles, which often causes the pain. Prescription medications can help relax the patient, so the patient does not place stress in the jaw area. The patient can take anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety medications.
Relaxation techniques can help lower stress in tense jaw muscles. These techniques can stop or, at least, reduce the pain. Specific exercises can also strengthen these muscles. The goal is to stretch the mouth area. This strategy strengthens the jaw. Studies show that strong jaws feel less or no pain.
General dentists are trained to address TMJ disorders. The diagnosis is important. The provider will perform a diagnosis after performing a dental exam. Checking the jaw muscles and joints for tenderness will follow. The general dentist will also check for movement, popping, or clicking. Asking the patient about the following symptoms is crucial:
The general dentist explains that trauma and bruxism can cause TMJ disorders. Arthritis and joint erosion are also possible causes. Jaw issues at birth and growth problems can lead to these disorders. The general dentist will ask about the patient’s medical history to determine which factor is the cause of the TMJ disorder.
Studies show that this condition is not life-threatening. Neglecting to treat it can cause persistent, intense pain. The jaw will always experience tension around it. The jaw joints could be swollen. Dental damage may also affect the jaw.
Keeping these disorders may not be preventable, but it might be possible to reduce the symptoms. Do so by lowering stress levels. Exercising and physical therapy can also work. Catching bruxism early is ideal by wearing a nightguard right away.
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This condition does not improve on its own. That is why seeing a provider is necessary to detect the root cause of the TMJ problem. Early detection can lead to early intervention. Working with your general dentist can help you achieve a more comfortable smile.
Request an appointment or call Elliott Ostro, DMD at 212-847-3833 for an appointment in our New York office.
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