Can a General Dentist Diagnose and Treat TMJ?
You can visit the general dentist for diagnosis and treatment if you are experiencing signs of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Symptoms include jaw clicking, headaches, tenderness, and pain around the jaw area. TMJ pain can be disruptive to normal living, so it is advisable to visit the dentist as soon as possible for help.
An overview of TMJ
The joints connecting the skull to the lower jaw are complex and can move in many directions. They enable normal opening and closing of the mouth and oral cavity functions, such as eating and talking. When there is an issue with the temporomandibular joint and it cannot function normally, other problems will soon develop. Depending on the specific situation, patients may experience mild to severe pain. If the condition is not treated promptly, it will only worsen over time.
Diagnosing and treating TMJ disorder
Factors that contribute to TMJ disorder include injury to the jaw (including one that causes dislocation), jaw clenching and teeth grinding, crooked teeth, and arthritis. The general dentist can diagnose and treat someone for temporomandibular joint disorder. The cause of TMJ disorder is what determines the nature of the symptoms experienced by patients. During routine checkups, the dentist examines the jaw muscles and teeth to identify any signs of the condition.
The dental professional understands how the jaw functions and can therefore provide multiple effective treatment options to patients dealing with TMJ pain. TMJ disorder can be caused by jaw and teeth misalignment, so the dentist might recommend orthodontic treatment to realign the teeth and jaw. A teeth-straightening treatment can relieve many TMJ symptoms in many patients. The following are common treatment options.
Custom dental appliance: If the dentist discovers that the TMJ disorder is caused by teeth grinding or clenching, they may recommend a custom oral device. Also called a mouthguard or occlusal guard, this appliance prevents the upper teeth from directly hitting against the lower teeth. Aside from relieving TMJ symptoms, the device will also reduce wear on the teeth, which often causes other dental issues, such as tooth fracture.
Hot and cold packs: This option involves applying hot or cold packs over the jaw joint to reduce pain. Patients may be asked to maintain this routine around four times daily to relax the tense jaw muscles, which are often the main sources of pain.
Relaxation techniques: Patients can learn relaxation techniques to reduce or prevent pain in the joint area. The techniques focus directly on tense jaw muscles, reducing the tension significantly and consequently alleviating pain. Other options for treating TMJ disorder include using anti-inflammatory or muscle-relaxing meds.
Visit the general dentist
Dealing with TMJ pain is not fun. It can be debilitating and affect normal oral functions. However, remember that the general dentist can evaluate the condition and recommend options to relieve the pain. If you have questions or concerns, be sure to contact the dental office to book an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.alluredentalofmaplelawn.com or call Allure Dental at (240) 206-6992 for an appointment in our Fulton office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Fulton, MD.
Related Posts
Dental implants are lasting and stable dental restorations. Research shows that many people prefer implants to removable dentures because of their many benefits. Knowing how implants are better dental replacements can motivate you to come in for a consultation. Here are the benefits of having dental implants as replacements for your missing teeth.Tooth loss results…
For many individuals with missing teeth, dental implants are an effective way to restore the appearance and function of their smile. However, like any medical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with getting dental implants. While these risks are relatively rare, it is important for patients to be aware of them before undergoing…
Dental implants are excellent options for restoring dental function and aesthetics in patients with missing teeth. However, the process does not end after the implant placement. The long-term condition of your mouth determines the success of the treatment. If you want to maintain good oral health and thus, your implants, this article explores a few…
Dental implants can replace all or a few missing teeth. One of their most attractive benefits is that they can last a lifetime with proper care. However, the dental implant process can take longer than some people realize. Here is a breakdown of the process and what patients can expect.Before one can receive dental implants,…