Get Relieved from Chronic Jaw Pain with TMJ Therapy

The facts state that almost 10 to 15 percent of adults are affected by Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD). It is the pain in the jaw joint in the front of the ear connecting the lower jaw with the skulls i.e. the temporomandibular joint and the connected muscles. 

This temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) affects your routine activities and the proper sleep patterns due to increased pain.


The most common cause for TMJ is said to be anxiety, stress, or emotional disturbance. However, there are other common reasons too such as injury, grinding teeth, clenching them, the issue in disk or cartilage, diseases in connective tissue, etc. The reason for the affected disk in the joint can be an injury or arthritis too.


Factually, the effects of TMJ may vary from mild pain to highly severe pain. However, 5 to 12 percent of people need temporomandibular joint dysfunction treatments.


The article further discusses TMJ joint pain and its types. Know the different TMJ treatment services in Virginia Beach VA to help you with chronic pain diagnosis, management, and treatment options.


Reasons and Types of Pain in Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD)


The article already discussed the causes of TMD. Let us know the reasons for the pain that happens in this condition. 


The facial part, that is involved in the TMD, functions as a hinge for the jaw movements and it is affected easily for any damage. This joint has the covering of the cartilage bones to make the movement easy. Also, it has the separation with the disk to absorb the shock. 


When there is any erosion, slipping, damage, or injury around this setup, then this is responsible for the compromise in the joint’s functioning. You may start feeling the pain when you move your jaw and these are the trigger points in the muscles. The connected areas in the muscles include the jaw, cheeks, front side & backside of the ears, chewing muscles, eminence & socket, ear canal, and lateral pterygoid. 


Extreme pain may occur in these areas causing issues in chewing and other mouth movements. It may also cause sensitive teeth, clicking sounds, and a burning mouth. You may also feel like the locking of the joint.


The extreme stress and traumatic conditions in the jaw area can further lead to headaches. Also, the grinding of teeth will affect the jaw muscles and cause the pain to spread further in the cheeks, side, and top areas causing the head pain.


Next Steps and the Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction treatments 


The pain can be mild to intense, also limiting the functioning of the jaw. However, after suspecting that you need the TMJ jaw treatment, the next step includes the consultation and diagnosis at the best dentistry offering the TMJ treatment services in Virginia Beach VA.


Factually, the TMD disappears on its own or with some basic conservative therapy. However, if the extreme pain continues then you will need to see the dentist for the TMJ jaw treatment in Virginia Beach post its diagnosis.


TMJ Diagnosis


The diagnosis with the TMJ specialist will further determine the type of TMJ treatment services that you need. You will receive the treatment guide for the same.


The diagnosis will include a thorough examination of the jaw and the symptoms including the opening and closing of the mouth, noises during that, pain areas, swelling, and motion range. 


Further, some tests and reports may need to be run including the jaw x-ray (TMJ imaging), bones, and joint tissues’ CT scan, or even MRI for abnormal jaw structure.


TMJ joint pain treatment


As per the condition and intensity, further treatment options are determined. There may be a combination of multiple temporomandibular joint dysfunction treatments included in the plan by your TMJ specialist. The possible treatment options are listed as below - 


  • He/She may prescribe pain relievers with over-the-counter medications or anti-inflammatories for a specific time period. Also, the anti-depressants, muscle relaxants, medication for bruxism control & sleeplessness, etc can be prescribed as TMJ medication for a fixed time.

  • The patient-specific guide may be given for grinding teeth, clenching them, biting nails, postures, stress relief, etc, that may be causing the TMJ pain.

  • The jaw pain relief is managed with soft or firm mouth guards, oral splints, physical therapy with other techniques of warm & cold compresses, acupuncture, or ultrasound.


The pain can be managed by avoiding chewing gums, hard foods, biting nails or lower lip, bad posture, and wider jaw movements.


The above treatment options may not heal the condition and may even worsen with time. In such a scenario, the TMJ specialist may suggest advanced temporomandibular joint dysfunction treatments. These include - 


  • The procedure of inserting small needles called arthrocentesis

  • TMJ arthroscopy can be done by inserting a small thin tube, arthroscope, and surgical instruments in the joint space.

  • For the most severe TMJ condition, the patient needs to go for corticosteroid injections or surgery. However, the risks and benefits involved in this treatment option must be carefully discussed with the specialist.


Consulting the specialist for the TMJ treatment services in Virginia Beach VA


It is possible that the TMJ may not need any advanced or invasive treatments, however, you must not ignore the condition even if it involves minor pain. 


The TMJ specialists can guide you in the right direction with your condition as per your medical history and perfect diagnosis. Thus, it is important to get the consultation at a reliable place with an experienced team of dentists. To get the perfect diagnosis and right TMJ joint pain treatment in Virginia Beach, call Dr. King’s Dentistry on (757) 464-6228.
Location: Virginia Beach, VA, USA

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