What Are TMJ Treatments?
The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull. As with many other joints on the body, the TMJ can experience pain, discomfort, swelling and limited range of movement that gets in the way of your quality of life. When this occurs, it's known as TMD or temporomandibular joint dysfunction. We offer a range of helpful treatments and remedies for all TMJ-related problems.
Why Do You Need TMJ Treatment?
The TMJ is incredibly necessary when it comes to eating, chewing and simply opening and closing your mouth to speak. When the joint becomes inflamed or painful, you may find that it gets in the way of living your best life. Some problems to look for concerning the TMJ include:
- Clicking, popping or grinding of the jawbone.
- Inability to open your mouth fully without pain or discomfort.
- Inflammation and tenderness.
- Earaches that are otherwise unexplained.
- Difficulty chewing and biting into your favorite foods.
- Locking of the jaw.
What Makes You a Good Candidate for TMJ Treatments?
We will thoroughly examine the TMJ area when you come into our office. We not only listen for any unusual sounds when you open and close your mouth, but we'll monitor and check for range of motion. If it's found that you have problems with your TMJ, we will sit with you to discuss your options. Each patient is different in what will work best for them, and we are happy to provide you with the care that you need.
What Happens During TMJ Treatment?
In some cases, TMJ problems resolve on their own and are simply temporary. If the pain, discomfort and swelling persists, we'll often recommend physical therapy, muscle relaxants, pain relievers and hot/cold therapy as a way to help ease your suffering. In more extreme cases, surgery is required to help improve motion of the jaw and prevent swelling. The most common procedure performed is known as temporomandibular arthrocentesis, which simply means that the fluid is removed from the joint before the bone is realigned. Surgery-free options are always sought after first before considering more invasive procedures.