TMJ Treatment and Why You Need It

TMJ Treatment and Why You Need It

The temporomandibular joint connects your skull to your jaw. If it suffers damage or injury, it can result in severe discomfort in your teeth and the part where your face connects with your jaw. This pain and discomfort is temporomandibular joint syndrome or disorder. The pain originates from the nerves and muscles of the jaw that suffer damage due to injuries to the skull or jaw or both.

Once the temporomandibular joint suffers damage, it can inflame. This inflammation leads to serious pain after a short time when you use your jaw to chew, bite, crackle, or click. Further, you may also experience intense headaches and migraines in this condition that can progress with time if you leave the condition untreated. Dislocation of the temporomandibular joint is possible depending on the intensity of the damage.

What are TMJ Treatments?

Let’s discuss the different treatment options for TMJ.

Home Remedies

Home remedies include avoiding stressing your jaw or skull, which means talking less for some time, so your jaw doesn’t have to move. Further, you can use ice for the swelling on the face while eating soft foods to reduce any bruising that may occur. Jaw exercises can help regain movement. Avoiding hard food items and sleeping in the most comfortable position to avoid stress on your jaw also helps.

Medications

If symptoms progress or stay persistent even after home remedies, your doctor may prescribe medications according to your needs. The medication they will prescribe can help you with numerous aspects of the disorder, such as swelling, pain, muscle inflammation, and more. Additionally, the doctor may suggest taking talk therapy to reduce stress.

Surgeries

TMJ disorder treatment surgeries are common and have a high success rate of nearly 80 to 90 percent. Your doctor will decide whether you require surgery or not in any case. The most common TMJ treatment surgeries include:

  • Joint Replacement (temporomandibular)
  • Corrective Dental Procedures for improving teeth alignment and bite
  • Arthrocentesis for removing any buildup of debris or fluid in the joint

What are the Benefits of TMJ Treatment?

You should get treatment for your TMJ disorder to alleviate the pain that you feel when you perform normal activities like chewing, biting, and more. For a healthy life, it is best to address all medical concerns as soon as they arise. Here are some of the main benefits of getting TMJ treatment:

  • Ability to enjoy meals again
  • Lower pain in the jaw and skull
  • Improvement in health
  • Better mood and thus the quality of life
  • Improved ear health
  • Lower risk of growing dental concern

Conclusion

The cause of TMJ plays a major part in the type of treatment that you will get. While many people have to reach out to an experienced professional, you can also find relief through home remedies. If you think that your TMJ disorder is progressing or becoming more painful, contact the Oral & Facial Surgery Institute. Our expert Dr. Davis holds extensive experience in addressing painful jaw conditions and disorders. Call us at (435) 220-2324 to set an appointment today. Visit our official website for more information.

Reference Links:

https://www.medicinenet.com/temporomandibular_joint_syndrome_tmj/article.htm

https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/temporomandibular-disorders-tmd

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350945

https://www.healthline.com/health/tmj-disorders

Chronic Headaches? It Might Be TMD

Do you suffer from chronic and frequent headaches or neck aches? A possible cause might be Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD).

 

Today, we are going to cover the symptoms of TMD and what causes it. Plus, some ways that you can prevent TMD from occurring. If you need treatment, our experienced team at the Oral & Facial Surgery Institute can help you. Contact us today for more information.

 

What is TMD?

TMD often appears in the form of recurring headaches. This is because your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) that connect your jaw and skull are being overworked. This can be painful and might restrict the range of motion your jaw has.

 

There are many symptoms of TMD. However, it can be easily recognized if you often experience pain in your jaw and have frequent headaches or pains in your neck. TMD can even affect your ears, making them ring or feel stuffy.

 

If you experience a locked jaw or are having trouble opening your mouth, be sure to contact us right away. We can get you started on treatment as soon as you are available. If your jaw is locking up, you do not want to put off scheduling an appointment.

 

How does TMD Cause Headaches?

When the muscles of the TMJ become tense, they can cause pain to more muscles around them. The pain often spreads to the side of your head- causing headaches. This type of headache can be hard to pinpoint as the culprit.

 

This is because a TMJ caused headache will often spread over your head and face, making it difficult to distinguish it from tension headaches. If you suspect your jaw is causing you pain, then you can make a few changes to prevent it from happening so often.

 

How to Avoid TMD

You can do this right now at home, simply focus on relaxing your face. The tension in your jaw is what causes TMD pain, so checking in on yourself to see if you are clenching your jaw during the day is a great start.

 

You will also want to avoid eating hard foods and chewing gum. Aside from that, always practicing good posture helps release tension from your body. If you grind your teeth at night, this can also cause pain and headaches.

 

How is TMD Treated?

We have many options for non-surgical treatment. However, if you do not respond to those methods, we can perform oral surgery. This involves either arthroscopy or direct jaw surgery. Keep in mind that we will attempt to treat your TMD with non-surgical methods first.

 

Conclusion

If you suffer from chronic headaches and are having trouble figuring out why TMD might be the problem. Be sure to relax your mouth if you feel that your jaw is clenched. Doing this can help prevent TMD and the headaches that come with it.

 

Be sure to contact our office at the Oral & Facial Surgery Institute if you can not get relief from jaw pain by yourself. We can let you know what treatment options are available to you.

5 Tips to Keep Your Jaw Healthy as You Age

We all know aging is a natural part of life. And most of us start considering ways in which we can keep our bodies healthy as we age. We eat better. We step up our exercise routine. We even take extra vitamin supplements in the hopes that our bones and joints remain in healthy condition.

 

So why do so many of us take our jaws for granted?

 

We all know that tooth decay and gum disease can happen at any time—even if you’re older than 65. And most of us take preventative steps to combat it. But did you know that musculoskeletal conditions such as TMJD can occur in up to 12 percent of the U.S. population? And did you know that older Americans are particularly susceptible to it?

 

Don’t take the health of your jaws for granted. Here are 5 tips to keep them strong and healthy.

 

1.   Healthy Bones, Healthy Jaws

 

We all know calcium prevents osteoporosis. But most of us quickly forget that our jaws are also made of bone. As our bodies age, our ability to absorb calcium declines. Postmenopausal women in particular are more susceptible to bone disease and should strive for a calcium intake of at least 1200 mgs a day. But don’t think that men can’t be impacted by bone decay, either. Even if you think your intake is adequate, men between the ages of 45 and 70 should still try to ensure at least 1000 mgs of calcium each day; adjust your intake to 1200 mg.

 

2.   Stop Grinding Your Teeth!

 

Teeth grinding is a habit many of us are entirely aware of. That’s because it happens primarily at night while we’re asleep. But teeth grinding can also occur during times of stress and even in deep thought. It’s not just responsible for tooth damage. Headaches are just as common with tooth grinding and inevitably what goes for teeth will eventually affect your jaw, as well. Typically, your surgeon can identify signs of damaged teeth caused by grinding, and may even suggest Botox injections if the need is particularly drastic..

 

3.   Eat Clean. Eat Healthier

 

If you’re like most Americans, you’re probably already eating a balanced diet as you age. But that’s the key word: balance. Strive for a mixture of hard and soft foods for a healthy jaw, including calcium rich foods such as:

 

  • Almonds
  • Beans and lentils
  • Celery
  • Cheese
  • Milk
  • Oranges
  • Sardines
  • Seeds, nuts and grains
  • Tofu

 

4.   Give Your Jaw A Break

 

It’s common to recommend a course of regular jaw stretches for maximal health as we age. The problem comes when we overwork them. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be overused by excessive talking, eating too many hard foods… even chewing gum! It needs time to rest. Don’t try to stretch your jaw for more than 10 minutes each morning and massage it regularly if you feel stiffness or tenderness.

 

5.   Visit Your Dentist More Frequently

 

It’s a good rule of thumb that most people under the age of 50 should visit their dentist at least once a quarter. But as we age, the resilience of our gums, jaw and teeth begins to fade slowly. As a result, you may need to find it necessary to visit your dentist or oral health specialist more often to keep your jaws at peak performance. Remember, it’s the health of your entire mouth you need to be concerned with as you age.

 

And you won’t get a chance to buy another one.

 

If you’re in Southern Utah and are concerned about the health of your jaw, you may be experiencing more than periodic discomfort. We can help. Find out more about Dr. Shawn Davis and his team at the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute.

 

 

What Could Cause My Sudden Jaw Pain?

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Dealing with any type of jaw pain can derail any day. There are many different reasons why you are suffering from sudden jaw pain. We are going to share some of the most reported types of pain in your jaw, and what you should do to alleviate the suffering. In some cases, surgery may be required, but that is usually a last resort.

Different Types of Sudden Jaw Pain

1. Cluster Headaches

– while this might not seem like it could affect your jaw, cluster headaches can cause jaw pain. These headaches affect your eyes and also can migrate down into the jaw region. These are one of the most painful types of headaches, and if you suffer from these, you should consult with your doctor. They can help regulate and monitor medications to ensure that your suffering is minimized.

2. Pain in your teeth

– depending on the type of issues that are going on with your teeth, it can cause jaw pain. If you are suffering from an abscess, this can cause pain to again radiate into your jaw. With any tooth pain, get in touch with your dentist as soon as possible. If you have an abscess, it is imperative that you see your dentist quickly, because this type of infection can cause more significant issues.

3. Sinuses

– when you are having issues with your sinuses, or a severe sinus infection, this can cause pain in your jaw. Because of the nasal cavities and their location, it can allow the pressure to increase on your jaw. A visit to your doctor and medication can alleviate the pressure.

4. Temporomandibular

joint and muscle disorders – commonly known as TMJ, there are many different causes for this type of pain. While there are some different causes for the pain, doctors and dentists can help with the alleviation of your symptoms. Tell your dentist on your next visit about the pain, and any symptoms that you are experiencing. Some of the more reported ones are:
● Grinding of teeth
● Injuries to your jaw
● Stress
● Arthritis in your jaw

5. Heart Attack

– while many are aware of the more common signs of a heart attack, pain in your jaw is one of the warning signs. Heart attacks cause significant pain increases in different types of your body, and the jaw is no exception. If you feel that you are ever suffering from a heart attack, call 911 immediately.
Contact us today, and let us help you keep your smile bright and your jaw pain-free!

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