subject: Tmj Disorder- What Is It And Where Can I Find Tmj Treatment In Charlotte Nc? [print this page] Many factors are associated with pain in your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, and various causes can lead to problems with your TMJ. There are plenty of treatment options if you think you have a TMJ disorder in Charlotte NC at- home or with a dentist.
What is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder?
Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ disorder, is pain in the jaw joint which can be caused by a variety of factors. Trauma, disease, aging, and habitual behaviors can cause problems with your TMJ, leading to stiffness, headaches, ear pain, bite problems, clicking sounds or even locked jaws.
Your TMJ is made up of muscles, nerves, blood vessels and bones and you have two TMJs on either side of your head. It is the area in front of your ear where the upper and lower jaws meet. The TMJ moves by rotation or a hinge movement and helps you chew, open and close your mouth.
What causes TMJ disorder?
Minor trauma like teeth grinding or jaw clenching can lead to TMJ disorder as can more serious traumas such as a punch in the jaw or an accident which causes a TMJ dislocation. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching over time can change the muscle alignment, causing inflammation to the joint.
More dramatic traumas such as a dislocation or injury which may require jaw reconstruction should be given immediately into the hands of an oral surgeon, because oral surgery will likely be required.
Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, which cause slow joint degeneration over time, can also cause TMJ disorders. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in people of all ages including children. If not treated properly it can cause a lot of pain with your joints. Osteoarthritis is common in aging, and you should consult your physician to help with any inflammation and pain associated with the degeneration of your joints.
Habitual behaviors like teeth grinding, gum chewing, nail biting and even occupational tasks like holding a telephone to your ear all day can lead to TMJ disorder. Chronic stress can also lead you to behaviors such as clenching your jaw and teeth grinding.
TMJ treatment options
If you think you may have a minor TMJ disorder because of pain in your jaw joints, try using over the counter pain medication first. If that does not help, or you experience a more serious trauma such as lock jaw or a dislocated jaw or the pain just does not go away, then seek medical attention. Contact your local dentists in Charlotte NC and discuss your problem with them.
Your dentists may give you a higher dose of pain medication and apply heat compressions to your jaw, make you a splint or a bite plate if you have been grinding your teeth. Your dentists can also show you jaw exercises for at home TMJ treatment, to help control your pain. Avoid chewing gum, eat softer foods, and try to reduce clenching your jaw if possible.
If none of these measures work, your dentists or oral surgeons may suggest injecting pain medication to ease the pain. Local anesthesia or cortisone can be injected directly into the joint.
As a last resort and for more serious options dealing with major trauma, oral surgery may be required. This option is irreversible and you should do your research before choosing this option. Talk to your dentist and/or oral surgeon as well as seek other opinions about oral surgery. If necessary, oral surgery can replace your joints with artificial implants.
If you think you have TMJ disorders and would like to find out more, visit Charlotte NC dentists or oral surgeons.
