Viable Options For TMJ Treatment In Calgary

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, and it is the joint that connects the skull to the lower jaw (mandible). The joint is present on both the sides of the head right in front of the ears. It helps the jaws to close and open, which enables you to eat and speak. Presently, the abbreviation is more commonly used for a couple of health problems that are related to the jaw.

 

TMJD is another term used for temporomandibular joint disorders. These disorders lead to difficulty in joint movements, facial pain, and tenderness at the joints. The good news is that these disorders can be effectively cured through proper TMJ treatment in Calgary.

 

It is important to mention in this regard that there are cases where the TMJ disorder has got cured without any treatment. However, if the symptoms stay or worsen, the doctor might recommend a couple of treatment options. In fact, patients usually need more than one treatment option in this case.

 

 

The following medication options are administered along with other nonsurgical procedures in order to relieve the pain that TMJ disorders bring.

Anti-inflammatories or pain relievers: The first step to control the pain is usually taking over-the-counter pain medicines. If that does not work, the dentist or doctor might prescribe strong pain relievers for a short time, like ibuprofen.

 

 

Tricyclic antidepressants: Medicines like amitriptyline are usually used for the treatment of patients suffering from depression. However, in low dosages, these are useful for sleeplessness and pain relief.

 

Muscle relaxant: This kind of medication is used at times for a couple of weeks or days for helping to relieve the pain that TMJ disorders bring on through muscle spasms.

 

 

The nondrug and nonsurgical therapies for TMJ disorders include.

 

Mouth guards or oral splints (oral appliances): Patients with TMJ disorder benefit from wearing a thin and soft device custom fitted to their lower or upper teeth. These devices are beneficial because it stops your teeth from grinding while you are sleeping and stops the incessant jaw pain.

 

Physical therapies: There are exercises for stretching and strengthening jaw muscles. Along with that, the application of ice and moist heat and the use of ultrasound is also helpful.

 

You need to well-understand the behaviors and factors that increase the pain so that you can stay away from them. There are things like biting your fingernails, leaning on the chin, teeth grinding or clenching, which can increase the pain.

 

As mentioned earlier, oral appliances can be of significant help in controlling your pain from TMJD. Contact Dr. Tom Shackleton of TS Oral Health clinic and get to know whether it is the right treatment for you.

 

Ashton March is Author of this article. For further details about TMJ treatment Calgary please visit the website: Tsoralhealth.com