Therapies To Decrease Signs Of TMD

THERAPY IS ACCESSIBLE FOR THOSE STRUGGLING WITH TMD
During a day you utilize your jaw multiple times. Because of this reason, tenderness in your jaw may be a significant worry. Throughout this article, we look into the condition known as TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder), which generates pain in your jaw. For individuals in Cary, NC who have TMD, there are multiple innovative treatments that can help ease your symptoms and detect the root cause. If you experience prolonged pain in your jaw, as well as difficulties opening and closing your mouth, call DentalWorks – Cary Crossroads to arrange oral health examination with our team of dental professionals. Let’s start by finding out more about TMD and TMJ…

VARIATIONS BETWEEN TMJ AND TMD
The initials utilized in the article are similar, therefore, it could get difficult to understand. Let’s take a minute to determine the definition of TMJ and TMD. Identified as TMJ for short, the temporomandibular joints exist as the two sliding hinge joints attaching your mandible (jawbone) to the other parts of your skull. When one or both of these joints become tender or cause pain, it is diagnosed as a temporomandibular joint disorder, otherwise known as TMD. In short, TMJ is your jaw joint, and TMD is a complication with your TMJ.

EVIDENCE OF TMD
side effects of TMD may range from bearable discomfort to significant pain. If you notice evidence of TMD and talk about them with your dentist, your treatment process could be less invasive. If you have any of the following issues, reserve an appointment with your experienced dentist in Cary, NC as soon as possible:

  • SORENESS IN YOUR TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINTS OR EARS
    The temporomandibular joint is positioned right beside your ear, therefore, when you have TMD, it could initiate discomfort in and around your ears.
  • RESTRICTIONS WITH CHEWING OR SPEAKING
    If it is hard or painful for you to chew or speak, you could have TMD. This can get consistently worse with time; therefore, you should make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
  • COMPLICATIONS WHEN OPENING OR CLOSING YOUR MOUTH
    As TMD develops, it may feel like your jaw is tight and will not effortlessly open or close. At this point, it’s recommended to make an emergency appointment with your dental professional for treatment.
  • SORE, INFLAMED JAW
    When you feel along your jaw, it may feel enlarged or tender if you have TMD. This can make it challenging to eat or speak.
  • SOUNDS WHEN YOUR JAW MOVES
    As well as pain and complications when moving your jaw, you might hear a clicking or popping noise as you open or close your mouth.

SOURCES OF TMD
The reason for TMD differs from patient to patient, because there are a variety of reasons why TMD can develop. One of the most typical is arthritis in or an injury to your jawbone. A misaligned bite, referred to as malocclusion, might also be a cause. When biting down properly, the teeth should meet together and rest in alignment, so the mouth can close accurately. High spots on your natural teeth or a dental restoration, such as a crown, bridge, or denture may restrict this and negatively affect how your jaw operates. Bruxism, identified as clenching the jaw and grinding the teeth either throughout the day or at night (nocturnal bruxism), could bring about inflammation due to overusing the jaw muscles, causing TMD. It can surprise some people in Cary, NC to hear that even excessive gum chewing can bring about a flare-up of TMD.

RECOGNIZING TMD
While there is no consistent test available to detect TMD, the dental professionals at DentalWorks – Cary Crossroads will provide oral health evaluation on patients who exhibit jaw discomfort. Generally, oral exams consist of an evaluation of jaw movement in order to discover any signs of jaw clenching, misalignment, grinding, soreness, or inflammation. Imaging, including full-mouth digital x-rays, will also help your dentist to accurately identify TMD and help them to establish the best course of treatment.

TMD REMEDIES
The treatment process for your TMD symptoms will be personalized based on the reason for the condition and the level of your pain. Your dentist will diagnose your TMD before determining a treatment plan. This could include one or several professional treatments for lasting relief, along with recommendations for home methods that can grant faster, short-term alleviation from your TMD complications.

  • NIGHT GUARD
    A great deal of people have nocturnal bruxism, a condition that means they tighten their jaw and grind their teeth at night. This may create inflammation and discomfort in your jaw joints. A personalized night guard created by your dentist may help place your jaw in the proper position while you sleep and defend your teeth against the effects of grinding.
  • HOME THERAPIES
    Those with TMD can do numerous things at home to help reduce TMJ discomfort and symptoms. When it comes to diet, consuming soft foods that are easy to chew can diminish wear and tear on the jaw. Heat and ice packs placed on the jaw area can lessen discomfort, as well as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, including Advil. In some cases, your dentist might prescribe anti-anxiety medications and muscle relaxants if your jaw joints are tightened or you are clenching your jaw throughout the day as a result of stress and anxiety.
  • AN ORTHODONTIC THERAPY
    Misalignment, commonly known as dental malocclusion, may put stress on your TMJ creating TMD. To ease the pressure on your jaw joints and allow for a more even smile, your experienced dentist might recommend orthodontic treatment. Depending on your needs and goals, this could involve traditional metal braces or the even more discreet option, Invisalign. Using invisible, removable aligners, the Invisalign system gently shifts your teeth into their appropriate position without the hindrances of metal braces. To discover more about Invisalign, contact us for an appointment with the dental professionals at our Cary, NC office.
  • EVALUATE YOUR POSTURE
    Another way for alleviating TMD pain includes generating simple enhancements to your posture. For example, resist resting your chin on your hand since this position places extra pressure on the jaw. Additionally, try sitting with your back pressed upon a chair back to prohibit slouching. It might help to lessen stress levels overall by practicing several relaxation and meditation methods, including breathing exercises.

EASE YOUR TMJ PAIN
Individuals in Cary, NC who notice jaw pain or other complications of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), we encourage you to contact your dentist to create an oral health examination and consultation. At DentalWorks – Cary Crossroads in Cary, NC we provide a diagnosis of TMD, as well as optimal treatment options. Our team of dental professionals desire to help every patient enhance their oral health so they can have a comfortable, restored smile they can show off without pain.