You can visit the general dentist for diagnosis and treatment if you are experiencing signs of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Symptoms include jaw clicking, headaches, tenderness, and pain around the jaw area. TMJ pain can be disruptive to normal living, so it is advisable to visit the dentist as soon as possible for help.
The joints connecting the skull to the lower jaw are complex and can move in many directions. They enable normal opening and closing of the mouth and oral cavity functions, such as eating and talking. When there is an issue with the temporomandibular joint and it cannot function normally, other problems will soon develop. Depending on the specific situation, patients may experience mild to severe pain. If the condition is not treated promptly, it will only worsen over time.
Factors that contribute to TMJ disorder include injury to the jaw (including one that causes dislocation), jaw clenching and teeth grinding, crooked teeth, and arthritis. The general dentist can diagnose and treat someone for temporomandibular joint disorder. The cause of TMJ disorder is what determines the nature of the symptoms experienced by patients. During routine checkups, the dentist examines the jaw muscles and teeth to identify any signs of the condition.
The dental professional understands how the jaw functions and can therefore provide multiple effective treatment options to patients dealing with TMJ pain. TMJ disorder can be caused by jaw and teeth misalignment, so the dentist might recommend orthodontic treatment to realign the teeth and jaw. A teeth-straightening treatment can relieve many TMJ symptoms in many patients. The following are common treatment options.
Custom dental appliance: If the dentist discovers that the TMJ disorder is caused by teeth grinding or clenching, they may recommend a custom oral device. Also called a mouthguard or occlusal guard, this appliance prevents the upper teeth from directly hitting against the lower teeth. Aside from relieving TMJ symptoms, the device will also reduce wear on the teeth, which often causes other dental issues, such as tooth fracture.
Hot and cold packs: This option involves applying hot or cold packs over the jaw joint to reduce pain. Patients may be asked to maintain this routine around four times daily to relax the tense jaw muscles, which are often the main sources of pain.
Relaxation techniques: Patients can learn relaxation techniques to reduce or prevent pain in the joint area. The techniques focus directly on tense jaw muscles, reducing the tension significantly and consequently alleviating pain. Other options for treating TMJ disorder include using anti-inflammatory or muscle-relaxing meds.
Dealing with TMJ pain is not fun. It can be debilitating and affect normal oral functions. However, remember that the general dentist can evaluate the condition and recommend options to relieve the pain. If you have questions or concerns, be sure to contact the dental office to book an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://cityplacedental.com or call City Place Dental at (301) 585-1515 for an appointment in our Silver Spring office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Silver Spring, MD.
General dentistry focuses on routine oral health care for patients of all ages. This includes oral maintenance such as cleanings and examinations, as well as general treatments and preventive care. Preventive care often gets overlooked as it relates to general dentistry, however, it plays a key role in oral health. Keep reading to learn more…
Patients have likely heard from a dental practice in the past that fluoride is critical to good oral health. However, some patients do not know about the advantages of fluoride and might have some questions. They might wonder how to incorporate it into a daily routine. Keep reading to learn more about why fluoride is…
As part of a dental practice, a dentist educates patients on healthy eating. When it comes to eating right, most people think of dieting or getting the body healthy. However, what you put into your body also has a direct effect on the health of your gums and teeth. Even people who have their teeth…
Patients should keep on top of dental practice visits to prevent common oral issues. Gum disease affects many people, and it is essential to care for the gums and teeth early on. Getting an exam and cleaning is about more than just finding cavities. Instead, the dentist can catch a range of oral health issues.…
