TMJ

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder is a problem related to the complex jaw joint. The symptoms like pain or a “clicking” sound, usually occur when the jaw joints and the muscles that help in chewing do not work together correctly. Temporomandibular Joint, is the joint in the right and left that help in connecting your jaw to the skull. Some kinds of TMJ problems might lead to severe conditions, so it is essential to detect and treat early.

What are the symptoms of TMJ?

The symptoms of TMJ are, as follows:

Severe headaches
Ringing in the ears, hearing loss, and ear pain
Clicking sound when opening and closing mouth
Clicking can lead to locking of the jaw joint, limiting its movement
Muscles, tendons, ligaments, and the temporomandibular joint can cause jaw pain. The pain might radiate from the neck.

What are the types of TMJ treatments?

The TMJ Treatments offered can be as follows:

TMJ Oral Appliances / Bite Guards: The certain TMJ appliances can help in repositioning the jaw, which decreases the clicking and decompresses the auriculotemporal nerve. Other orthodontic appliances are also used during the treatment.

BOTOX Injections / Trigger Point Injections: Trigger point injection therapy is that in which local anesthesia is injected into tender points to get rid of the pain and re-educate the muscles.

Sleep Appliances: Due to TMJ disorders, you might face sleep disorders; in that case, oral sleep appliances are prescribed.

Physical Therapy: In physical therapy, postural correction, ultrasound, cold laser, stim, heat, and cold are used.

Chiropractic TMJ Treatments: The treatments like foot orthotics are prescribed if needed.

Medications: Some medications can help in relieving the pain that you have due to TMJ disorders. The dentist might also prescribe a sedative if you have nighttime teeth clenching that causes severe pain.