Your TMJ dentist helps with issues in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). If you are experiencing symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), you should see a TMJ dentist right away. Disorders in the TMJ can be painful and debilitating. If you want to know more about TMD and TMJ, here are the explanations of a TMJ dentist.
TMJ and TMJ pain
TMJ is the joint that connects the mandible to the skull. It is at the base of the skull, on both sides of the head. TMJ makes the jaw move up and down and also from left to right. TMJ enables talking, chewing, and yawning. The TMJ has a round, bulging structure that fits into the skull’s indentation. It also has a round cartilage or soft bone between two articular discs.
TMJ pain can radiate to the face, head, and neck. TMJ dentists find this pain challenging to treat. Anti-inflammatory medications do not work on their own. The drug therapy must work with heat and cold therapy to become more effective. TMJ pain results from injury, jaw clenching, and teeth grinding.
Symptoms of TMD
TMD is the collective term for the problems that arise from the TMJ. The most obvious symptom of TMD is pain. These disorders may be a result of an uneven bite or bruxism. The TMJ develops this pain because of stress and natural wear and tear.
Patients may dismiss TMD, but some situations could identify it. Injuries to the jaw or a joint disease can announce its presence. This is when the TMJ dentist comes in. The TMJ dentist also looks out for other symptoms like a popping sound in the jaw, muscle pain in the jaw, or earache. The patient may also experience migraines, headaches, locked jaw, and pain in front of the ear. To confirm if the patient is suffering from TMD, the TMJ dentist must perform a proper diagnosis.
Diagnosing TMD
The TMJ dentist will discuss the symptoms with the patient. Then, a jaw examination will follow. The TMJ dentist will feel and listen to the patient’s jaw movements. Then, the TMJ dentist will press the sections of the jaw to determine the pain sites. MRI, dental X-rays, and CT scans will provide additional information that will confirm the patient’s TMD.
Care for the TMJ
A person should avoid any activity that will induce stress to the TMJ. Opening the mouth with force when yelling or yawning and prolonged chewing can put pressure on the TMJ. This also happens when the person takes large bites or chews on hard foods. Habits like teeth grinding or nail-biting also contribute to TMJ pain and disorders.
Learning more about TMJ and TMD from your TMJ dentist can help you care for your TMJ better
The TMJ is prone to pain and TMD because it is that section of your face that you use daily. You need your TMJ for communicating, eating, and drinking. That is why a TMJ dentist is always ready to help at the onset of pain and discomfort. Setting up an appointment with your TMJ dentist can help maintain the health of your TMJ.
