All about TMJ Austin Treatment

Posted by hellensmith on April 28th, 2012

Temporomandibular Joint or TMD is not a medical term. It is used to refer TMD or Temporomandibular Disorders. But TMD is used colloquially. TMJ occurs due to jaw related problems. It is caused because the jaw and the facial muscles helping in the movement of the jaw and chewing are not functioning properly. Temporomandibular joint connects the lower jaw to the temporal bone of the skull. This joint helps in the movement of your jaw and helps you talk, chew food and yawn. If you are suffering from TMD, visit your Austin dentist now. Choose a dentist who specializes in TMJ Austin treatment.

There are quite a few probable causes for TMD. Grinding or the teeth or clenching of the teeth can put a pressure on your TMJ, resulting in TMD. The disc between the ball and the socket could be dislocated resulting in TMD. Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the TMJ could also be a reason. Stress is also recognized as one of the reasons for causing TMD. TMD occurs in patients aged between 20 and 40. Early symptoms include severe pain and discomfort. There are other symptoms too.

A patient with TMD will experience pain in the face and the jaw joint area. The neck and shoulder region and the area around the ear will also pain when he chews food, speaks or opens the mouth wide. The ability of opening the mouth wide becomes limited in a patient with TMD. The jaws could get “locked” while the mouth is either open or closed. The patient might also hear clicking sounds while opening or closing the mouth. A TMD patient will feel tired in the face. He will find it difficult to chew or bite. Swelling on the side of the face might also occur. Toothaches and headaches are common in TMD patients. Visit your TMJ Austin dentist to get it diagnosed as early as possible.

Your Austin dentist will first examine your clinical history carefully. Then he will examine your TMJ or Temporomandibular joint. Panoramic X-rays and full face X-rays will be taken. If you are diagnosed with TMD, your Austin dentist will probably send you to an oral surgeon for further treatment. The treatment devised for you will be based on the condition of the patient. The TMJ treatment plan should begin with conservative therapies that are non-surgical. If the condition does not improve; only then should your Austin dentist recommend surgery. Combination treatments are said to work best in case of TMJ Austin.

There are some basis conservative treatments that you can follow. Application of moist heat or cold packs work. Your dentist or physiotherapist will help you with a few stretching exercises for your face. Eat soft foods if you are suffering from TMD. Crunchy, hard foods are a strict no for patients suffering from TMD. Take the medications that your Austin dentist has suggested. Low level laser therapy also works in relieving the pain and inflammation caused due to TMD. Corrective dental treatments can also bring relief. Avoid extreme jaw movements and learn relaxation technique for jaw muscles. Opt for surgery only when none of these methods provide fruitful result.

Do you know anyone suffering from TMJ Austin? An Austin Dentist will correct this problem.