Treatments To Ease Side Effects Associated With TMD

TREATMENTS ARE POSSIBLE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDER
Each day you rely on your jaw joints many times. Due to this reason, pain within your jaw could be a notable issue. Within this blog, we explore the condition referred to as TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) that leads to discomfort in your jaw joints. For those in Cranberry Township, PA who suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder, there are many state-of-the-art remedies that may help manage your side effects and address the underlying source. If you notice chronic discomfort in your jaw or issues opening and shutting your mouth, reach out to DentalWorks – Cranberry Township to set up a comprehensive oral health evaluation with our team of experienced dentists. Let’s begin by discovering more regarding TMD and TMJ…

DIFFERENCES AMONG TMJ AND TMD
The abbreviations provided in the blog are very much alike, thus, it may get hard to keep track. Let’s take a moment to discuss the characterization of TMJ and TMD. Abbreviated as TMJ, the temporomandibular joints consist of the two moving hinge joints connecting your mandible (jawbone) with the remainder of your skull. If one or both of your TMJ become inflamed or cause discomfort, it is classified as a temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD. Essentially, TMJ is the joints in your jaw, and TMD is a problem with your TMJ.

SYMPTOMS OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDER
indications of TMD could vary from mild discomfort to extreme pain. If you identify symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder and address them with your dental professional, your treatment plan might be less invasive. When you notice one or more of the following side effects, schedule an examination with your qualified dentist in Cranberry Township, PA as early as possible:

  • TENDERNESS IN YOUR JAW JOINTS OR EARS
    The TMJ is situated right near your ear, thus, if you experience TMD, it can cause irritation in and near your ears.
  • CLICKING AS YOUR JAW OPEN AND CLOSES
    In addition to discomfort and difficulty when moving your jaw joints, you could notice a clicking or popping sound while you open and/or shut your mouth.
  • PAINFUL, INFLATED JAW
    If you touch along your jaw area, it may be puffy or painful if you have temporomandibular joint disorder. This might make it difficult to chew or talk.
  • DIFFICULTY WITH EATING OR TALKING
    When it is challenging or uncomfortable for you to eat or talk, you might be experiencing TMD. This could become progressively worse over time, in which case, you should talk to your dental professional as early as possible.
  • TROUBLE WHEN MOVING YOUR JAW
    As TMD evolves, it may appear as if your jaw is stiff and will not easily open or shut. In this case, it’s important to set up an emergency visit with your a member of your dental team to get treatment.

REASONS FOR TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDER
The source of TMD varies between patients, since there are many instances in which TMD might occur. One of the most common is arthritis in or damage to your jaw. Bite issues, identified as malocclusion, could also be a source. If biting down, the teeth should touch together and be positioned proportionately, so the jaw can shut comfortably. High points on your existing teeth or a dental restoration (crown, bridge, or dentures) could prevent this and adversely influence the way your jaw moves. Bruxism, a condition caused by tightening the jaw in addition to grinding your teeth either in the day or while sleeping (nocturnal bruxism), may cause swelling due to tiring out the jaw muscles, resulting in TMD. It might shock some individuals in Cranberry Township, PA to learn that even habitual gum chewing may cause a flare-up of temporomandibular joint disorder.

IDENTIFYING TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDER
Although there is no regulated test used to check for TMD, the dentists at DentalWorks – Cranberry Township can offer a comprehensive oral health assessment for patients who complain of jaw irritation. Typically, oral exams involve an examination of jaw movement as a way to identify any indications of clenching, alignment issues, grinding, pain, or swelling. Advanced imaging, consisting of comprehensive digital x-rays, may also allow your dentist to detect TMD and allow them to determine the ideal plan for treatment.

TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDER THERAPIES
Treatment for your temporomandibular joint disorder side effects will be formulated depending on the source of the disorder and the severity of your discomfort. Your dental professional will carefully detect your TMD prior to suggesting a treatment process. This might consist of one or various professional treatments for longstanding improvements, in combination with suggestions for at-home care that may provide quicker, short-term reprieve from your TMD issues.

  • AN ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT
    Issues with bite alignment, typically referred to as dental malocclusion, could put pressure on your temporomandibular joints leading to TMD. In order to relieve the stress on your TMJ and give you a more aligned smile, your qualified dentist can suggest orthodontic care. Based upon your concerns and goals, this might include conventional metal braces or the more modern approach, Invisalign. Utilizing discreet, removable aligners, the state-of-the-art Invisalign process carefully aligns your teeth into their ideal placement with none of the inconveniences of traditional braces. To find out more regarding Invisalign, schedule a consultation with the experienced dentists at our Cranberry Township, PA practice.
  • CORRECT YOUR POSTURE
    An additional method for treating TMD discomfort is making small changes within your posture. For instance, refrain from supporting your chin within your hand because this placement adds extra stress on the jaw joints. Furthermore, work on sitting with your back situated against a chair back in order to prevent slouching. It can help to reduce anxiety levels by practicing a combination of relaxation and meditation remedies, such as breathing techniques.
  • AT-HOME CARE
    Patients may do several remedies in their home in order to help alleviate TMJ irritation and side effects. In regard to eating, sticking to soft foods which are less difficult to chew may lessen overuse of the jaw. Hot and cold packs positioned on the jaw area could ease pain, in addition to non-prescription anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil. In some instances, your dental profession could give you a prescription for anti-anxiety medications or muscle relaxants if your jaw is locked up or you are tightening your jaw within the day from stress and anxiety.
  • NIGHT TIME GUARD
    Many people live with nocturnal bruxism, a disorder that means they restrict their jaw and grind their teeth while sleeping. This might lead to swelling and irritation in your temporomandibular joints. A custom-made night guard generated by your dental professional could help keep your jaw in the ideal position as you sleep and safeguard your teeth from the results of grinding.

DECREASE YOUR TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISCOMFORT
Men and women in Cranberry Township, PA who are experiencing jaw discomfort or other symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), we welcome you to reach out to your dental professional to schedule an oral health evaluation and consultation. At DentalWorks – Cranberry Township in Cranberry Township, PA we present a diagnosis of TMD and several treatment methods. Our team of dentists strive to help each patient restore their oral health so they may experience a rejuvenated smile they can display without discomfort.