Also known as TMJ, the temporomandibular joint disorder is most common in individuals aged 20 to 40. When you have TMJ, you may experience symptoms such as swelling and pain in your neck or face. You may also have trouble chewing and feel discomfort within the jaw area when eating. Although the specific cause of the temporomandibular joint disorder is not known, dentists believe that jaw injury, clenching and grinding, or joint arthritis may contribute to TMJ. A person with this disorder may also show symptoms like jaw popping, stiffness, misaligned teeth, earaches, eye pain, and migraines. Treatment options for TMJ include:
Change of Daily Lifestyle
You may want to avoid eating hard and extremely chewy foods to reduce the force you exert on your jaw. Reducing stress levels may help stop behaviors such as teeth grinding and clenching, which tend to contribute to TMJ issues. Also, try to avoid chewing gum persistently or yawning widely.
Prescribed Treatments
You may have tried OTC medications and have changed your daily lifestyle, but you still experience TMJ headaches and pain. Seeing a dentist can help you get prescribed some medication suitable and effective for your symptoms. You may also get a guarding device to protect your teeth from clenching and grinding habits.
Surgical Treatment
A dentist may perform corrective jaw surgery, also referred to as orthognathic surgery to help correct irregularities within the jaw bones and realign the jaw and teeth to improve how they work. This surgery can also help improve your facial appearance and relief TMJ pain.
When it comes to treating TMJ, there are plenty of options. An oral and maxillofacial dentist will examine you and perform diagnosis including 3D imaging to find out what is causing the problem. The dentist will then recommend an appropriate treatment. Various dental specialists may be involved in the treatment. Schedule a consultation today to find out more about our TMJ treatment options.
Our Blog | Rai Oral Surgery & Dental Implants | Virginia Beach Shaun B. Rai DMD has created this informative blog to help educate the community. Please read below and then call us today! Rai Oral Surgery and Dental Implants, 933 First Colonial Road #205, Virginia Beach, VA 23454, (757) 777-9883, raioralsurgery.com, 12/4/2024, Related Terms: oral surgeon Virginia Beach VA,