TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint, which is located in the jaw region of the face. When the joint malfunctions, individuals suffer from TMJ disorder. TMJ disorder can lead to pain and difficulty with eating, speaking and even smiling.
Individuals suffering from TMJ disorder are often curious about treatment options from a general dentist.
Many are surprised to learn that general dentists can diagnose and treat TMJ disorder. Nonetheless, general dentists are actually the first point of contact for individuals suffering from TMJ pain and malfunction. They are trained to care for problems in the facial region and specifically the jaw.
The list below includes three common options that general dentists often prescribe to their patients who have been diagnosed with a case of TMJ.
Many TMJ patients will experience pain relief by following a few conservative measures. This is often the first course of treatment a dentist will offer patients who have been diagnosed with a mild case of TMJ. Examples of conservative measures include eating a soft food diet, chewing slowly and very carefully, not participating in the act of teeth grinding or clenching and avoid chewing gum. In order for patients to experience the pain relief they seek, it is necessary to perform these measures for a certain amount of time, such as a month or two.
A general dentist can prescribe a TMJ patient anti-inflammatory pain medications in order to reduce and even eliminate any pain they are experiencing. Anti-inflammatory medications work by reducing any swelling present, which in turn helps to lower one’s pain levels. Muscle relaxers are another type of medication that helps relieve TMJ-related pain and work by helping the jaw area become much more relaxed, which also helps to reduce one’s pain.
Applying an ice pack often works to help reduce the pain that TMJ patients suffer from. Both ice and hot packs help to reduce muscle tension in and around the jaw area. Additionally, this practice can reduce any tooth pain one may be experiencing due to their TMJ diagnosis. Ice packs specifically help to reduce swelling that causes pain and hot packs help to relax one’s muscles, as well as increase one’s blood flow. Patients may need to use one or both, depending on their particular case of TMJ.
TMJ disorder can result in pain and malfunction, which is why care from a general dentist is necessary. There are a number of ways to treat this disorder that go far and beyond the ones listed above. When looking for more information on the diagnosis, management and treatment of TMJ, it is best to consult directly with a general dentist for personalized care. Reach out today to find out more!
Request an appointment here: https://www.leixdental.com or call Leix Dental at (815) 604-6104 for an appointment in our Lakewood office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: TMJ in Lakewood, IL.
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint, which often dysfunctions, resulting in serious pain. Individuals that suffer from TMJ disorder often turn to their general dentist to learn more about treatment options, as well as the root cause of the disorder. Each person varies, meaning the cause of their TMJ may differ, however, there are a…
Find out more about TMJ, a common jaw-related disorder. Visiting a general dentist allows individuals to receive a proper diagnosis, as well as understand how severe the TMJ is. Once diagnosed, treatment is the next step.Understanding what TMJ is and how it can affect one’s oral health is important. Since TMJ can also affect one’s…
TMJ disorder occurs when the temporomandibular joint is injured or overworked. The joint is responsible for connecting the skull and the jawbone, and it plays an important role in the jaw movement. When TMJ disorder develops, symptoms develop and can worsen without appropriate treatment. There are many different symptoms of TMJ disorder, but some TMJ symptoms…
Oral cancer screenings are recommended to patients who are at a higher risk of the disease. While it is not always necessary, most dentists recommend regular oral cancer screenings to ensure any concerning signs are detected as early as possible for the most effective treatment possible. Although many people have heard about oral cancer, all too…
While it is not always necessary, most dentists recommend regular oral cancer screenings to ensure…
A family dentist appointment generally focuses on overall preventive care and minor treatments unless a…
A traditional dental bridge can replace up to three or four consecutive teeth on the…
After tooth extraction, patients do not exactly need to be bedridden, but what they want…
The main reason why sleep apnea treatment from a dental professional is so popular is…
Dental veneers can enhance your smile in a significant way. Here are the benefits of…
