Anyone that suffers from Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or TMJ knows how excruciatingly painful that it can be. Millions of adults across the world suffer from this disorder and endure frequent pain in the jaw, locking jaw, swelling, headaches and difficulty eating. Luckily, there are many treatment options for those who suffer from this debilitating condition.
In the beginning stages of TMJ, patients can often practice some at self-remedies to help alleviate their symptoms. Eating soft foods, avoiding chewing gum, keeping from clenching the jaw and applying moist heat to the jaw area are some of the ways that the symptoms of TMJ can be treated at home. Doctors also recommend stress reduction since TMJ often worsens during time of stress, as well as NSAID or other over the counter pain relievers.
Sometimes however, at home remedies are simply not enough to treat the symptoms of TMJ. According to Apex Dental, the treatment of TMJ can range from a bite appliance, reshaping of the teeth enamel, to restorative or orthodontic treatment options.
In some cases, patients who suffer from TMJ may need to opt for surgery. Before the surgery is conducted, an MRI image of the Temporomandibular Joint and surrounding tissue must first be analyzed. If the oral surgeon decides that the patient is an ideal candidate for surgery, the process will begin. If the patient still has his or her wisdom teeth, they must first be removed before or during surgery. Typically during TMJ surgery, an incision is made behind and in the ear in order to reach the appropriate joint. Next, the surgeon shortens the ligaments that have become stretched and moves the displaced cartilage in to the correct position.
Luckily, self-remedies and/or surgery alleviate the symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder for most patients. Those who suffer from TMJ should know that there are many options available to them and they need not suffer from jaw pain, headaches or even missing and broken teeth any longer.
