The temporomandibular joint is one of the most used and complex joints in the body. It is located to the side of the jaw near the ears. This joint is used to help people when speaking, eating and making facial expressions. If you have a disorder of this joint it can cause you a great deal of discomfort and pain. However, do not think you are alone with this condition, it has been reported that more than 10 million people in the USA alone will suffer from this at some point.
There are many dentists that specialize in TMJ treatment York PA and they know this condition very well indeed. The reason for this is because so many people suffer from it and dentists see this problem daily.
There are a few symptoms you should look out for with this condition. The first one you may notice is a dull ache in your jaw area and you might hear a popping or clicking sound when you move your jaw. Another symptom you can suffer from is ear-ache. This happens because nerves that are attached to the temporomandibular joint are connected to your ear which causes pain. Many sufferers assume they have an ear infection but your doctor will be able to determine this.
Because the temporomandibular joint is not working correctly, it can put a strain on the muscles and nerves located within the skull. This, in turn will cause tooth-ache and headaches which can be very painful.
There are various ways a dentist will approach TMJ treatment York PAatment York PA and he will discuss with you what the best option is. Of course, it will also depend on the severity of the condition. Mouth guards are one of the most popular methods and these will stop you from grinding your teeth when you are asleep (something that can cause this condition). A mouth guard will be custom-made for you by taking a mold of your teeth. It will be made so that it fits over the lower and upper teeth which in turn will make it difficult for you clench your jaw.
It could be that your jaw is simply misaligned in which case your dentist might recommend you do a number of exercises designed to relax your jaw. These will need to be done whilst you are looking in the mirror so you know you are carrying them out correctly.
Botox injections are also becoming a popular method of treating TMJ and if you take this route you will expect to get pain relief for up to four months. For some the methods mentioned above will not work and if this is the case, you may have to take the route of surgery. The least invasive form of surgery is when your dentist will remove any excess fluid from the temporomandibular joint. The most extensive form of surgery is termed as “open” and will involve an operation where your dentist will open you up and either reposition the joint or replace it.
To find out more about TMJ treatment York PA treatment please visit beaudryoms.com, who have specialists on hand to help you get rid of the pain you’re experiencing.
