Tempro-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome, also commonly called TMJ, is a condition that affects a vast and varying population of people. Symptoms of TMJ can be severe headaches, jaw pain, and a sporadic ringing of the ears.
Another common symptom of TMJ is grinding of the teeth, which usually occurs at night. If the grinding persists, the structure of the teeth can become eroded, leading to more severe damage and future dental problems. Therefore, untreated TMJ is attributed to the erosion of jawbones and loose teeth.
The symptoms of TMJ are debilitating and can greatly interfere with every day life. The comfort and general well being of the patient is at the heart of the dental practice, so pain relief is the first consideration of the dentist. The dentist is able to test, diagnose, and devise an immediate plan to treat the underlying causes of the TMJ disorder.
Reasons to Treat TMJ
Those who suffer from TMJ have reported a worsening of the symptoms during periods of stress, and can lead to neck pain and dizziness under more extreme circumstances.
Most people who experience the discomfort of TMJ are not aware that the underlying problems can be treated effectively by a dentist.
Consult your dentist for treatment if you are affected by symptoms of TMJ.
It is important for anyone experiencing the symptoms of TMJ to visit the dentist for an exact diagnosis.
Treating TMJ
While there can be a variety of underlying causes for the symptoms of TMJ, such as an injury to the meniscus cartilage, the most common root problem is a misalignment of teeth often called a “bad bite”. It is possible for a dentist to realign the teeth of the patient without the need for any expensive or painful procedures. In most cases, realigning the “bad bite” will put a stop to pounding headaches, jaw pain, and dizziness caused by TMJ.
Usually, a dentist will first inspect the jaw area, take x-rays, and examine the patient’s dental history in order to first make an accurate diagnosis and recommend treatment.
Once the dentist has affirmed a diagnosis, several actions can be taken to treat the TMJ. Some of these actions include:
· Performing a bite relationship analysis.
· Molding a guard to hinder teeth grinding.
· Provide advice on relaxation techniques or prescribe muscle relaxants.
The best option in most cases however, is to realign the bad bite by changing the shape of the teeth. Not only will it alleviate the discomfort and other symptoms involved in TMJ, but it can also improve the aesthetic appeal of the patient’s teeth. Realignment usually involves aligning the upper and lower teeth so they come together a specific way, which may require adjusting the positioning of the teeth. The procedure is not painful, and has a very high success rate of remedying symptoms of TMJ.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of TMJ, we encourage you to contact our office today to schedule an appointment.