4 Components Of TMJ Dental Treatment
Your jaw fulfills an important function. It allows you to bite, chew, and speak. The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) in your jaw are responsible for much of this movement. When you open or close your mouth, your TMJ works as a hinge. In normal conditions, these actions are pain-free. Unfortunately, some people feel aches or sharp pain in their TMJ. TMJ disorder can cause pain and stiffness. Fortunately, a dentist can offer TMJ dental treatment to help. Here are four components of this treatment:
Ask about your symptoms and health
Jaw pain is a symptom that usually sends patients to the dentist. However, TMJ disorders often present additional symptoms. You may hear a popping sound when you open and close your jaw. You may find that your symptoms feel better or worse at different times of the day. Your dentist can use all this information to make an accurate diagnosis. For instance, people who feel more pain in the morning may be grinding their teeth at night, which can worsen a TMJ disorder. Pre-existing conditions, like arthritis, can also contribute to a TMJ diagnosis.
Prescribe an oral appliance
Dentists can prescribe oral appliances to treat a variety of conditions. Mouth splints can help people who suffer from TMJ disorders. A bite splint will subtly change the placement of your teeth, which can ease tension in your jaw. People who habitually clench their jaws are more likely to experience TMJ pain, and a bite splint can help them relax. Mouthguards are another type of oral appliance that can help TMJ patients. A mouthguard will keep you from grinding your teeth at night, which can stop tooth enamel from wearing down, in addition to easing your pain.
Refer you to an orthodontist
Your TMJ disorder may be caused by poorly aligned teeth. If misaligned teeth are to blame, you may need to see a specialist. Orthodontists can offer treatments like braces and clear aligners to push your teeth into a more favorable position. If your dentist believes that orthodontic treatment will help relieve your TMJ pain, they will likely write you a referral.
Prescribe medication
Medication may also be used to treat TMJ disorders, either on a temporary or long-term basis. Muscle relaxants can encourage patients to unclench their jaws. If your pain is severe, your dentist may prescribe pain medication temporarily. Painkillers will relieve your suffering until additional treatments can heal the cause of your TMJ disorder.
For more information, contact a dentistry such as Allure Dental.
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