Thousands of Americans suffer from the painful condition known as TMJ. TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint which connects the jawbone to the skull. Doctors and dentists aren’t certain what causes this pain in the jaw. It could be hereditary, a form of arthritis or some type of jaw injury.
Diagnosis
Dentists and doctors may work together to treat TMJ. Initially, it’s difficult to make a diagnosis. Dental x-rays are the first diagnostic tool used. It may be necessary to have an MRI or CT scan to see the bones, joints and soft tissue. Doctors may perform a TMJ arthroscopy. During the procedure, a small tube and microscope are inserted in the jaw. The doctors get a close-up picture of what’s going on. TMJ Treatment in Mequon WI starts with pain medication and anti-inflammatories. Doctors have had some success treating TMJ patients with tricyclic antidepressants. Low doses of this type of medicine eases the pain.
Therapies
TMJ Treatment in Mequon WI may involve oral splints or mouth guards. Patients with jaw pain benefit from wearing these devices but doctors don’t know why. Many patients try physical therapy. Exercises are done to strengthen and stretch the jaw muscle. Counseling teaches patients to avoid behavior that causes jaw pain. Habits, like grinding the teeth and biting fingernails, aggravates jaw pain.
Invasive Procedures
Invasive treatments include corticosteroid injections in the jaw. Some patients get relief from the injections. Interestingly, Botox injections have been tried. Further, some patients swear Botox eases the pain. Arthrocentesis can be a beneficial procedure. Needles are inserted in the joint so the area can be flushed to get rid of debris. Doctors may discover a structural defect that’s causing pain and surgery may be necessary. Open-jaw surgery is performed to repair or replace the joint. The surgery is a last resort because there are some risks.
Lifestyle Changes
Some patients prefer to treat the condition by changing the way they do things. They avoid eating foods that require lots of chewing. In addition, chewing gum is off-limits. Moist heat and ice can be used to ease the pain. Indeed, patients may benefit from alternative medicine like acupuncture. For more information, Contact Mequon Smile Design.
