Are You Suffering From TMJ? Learn the Treatment Options Available

One of the most common but often overlooked health issues is TMJ or temporomandibular joint dysfunction, which can bring about severe pain and discomfort to those who suffer from it, reducing the quality of life. However, there are many treatment options available that can help eliminate these symptoms and improve your quality of life! This article will walk you through everything you need to know about this condition and tmj treatment Albuquerque options.

What is TMJ?

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition that occurs when there is pain in your jaw or difficulty moving your jaw. Your TMJ is made up of two joints: one on each side of your head where your lower jaw connects to your skull. This disorder can be caused by a wide variety of factors, including overuse of jaws, trauma to either joint, stress and clenching and grinding teeth during sleep.

Common Symptoms of TMJ

According to a study from researchers at Harvard Medical School, patients suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) typically experience pain in their jaw, soreness and tingling around their ears, ringing in their ears (tinnitus), a feeling of fullness or pressure in their ear, difficulty chewing or biting on that side of their mouth. A common treatment for TMJD is grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw. If you are experiencing these symptoms, please consult a tmj dentist Albuquerque right away.

Medication Treatments

In certain cases, medication can be prescribed to treat symptoms of TMJ. Painkillers and muscle relaxants are typically used in an effort to reduce pain and muscle spasms caused by grinding your teeth. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are recommended for mild cases of pain and inflammation. For stronger cases, narcotic pain relievers may be given, though their use is limited due to the risk of addiction.

Alternative Therapies

While prescription treatments for TMJ are typically effective, there are also a number of alternative therapies you can try. Many sufferers have seen good results from acupuncture, herbal remedies, and yoga. While not as effective as pharmaceutical drugs for eliminating pain and stressors in your jaw muscles and joints, these natural methods can help minimize your symptoms so that you can continue with everyday life without being limited by chronic pain.

How Surgery Can Help

If you’re suffering from a disorder that causes facial pain and a clicking or popping sound in your jaw when you chew, smile, yawn or open your mouth wide (this is often referred to as TMJ syndrome), then surgery may be an option. Two surgical procedures are used most often: arthrocentesis and arthroscopy. Arthrocentesis involves numbing your face, drilling into one of your joints and flushing out material that could be causing inflammation.

While there’s no foolproof way to avoid developing TMJ, you can take a few precautions: Limit your use of chewing gum (which requires extra jaw movement) and don’t clench or grind your teeth. If you already have it, visit a tmj specialist Albuquerque for an exam; he or she can prescribe some pain relievers and other medications that might help.

Established in 1973, W. Gregory Rose Dds, PA provides advanced cosmetic dentistry in Albuquerque. We are committed to improving the health and aesthetics of your smile.