TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint, which is located near the jawline. When there is any sort of malfunction with the joint, the result is TMJ disorder. Sufferers of TMJ disorder tend to experience pain and difficulty performing things such as eating, smiling and speaking.
TMJ pain has treatment options, including wearing oral appliances, practicing self-care therapy at home and taking prescribed medications advised by a general dentist. Since some of the more common symptoms associated with a TMJ diagnosis include headaches, earaches, jaw pain and facial pain, it is necessary for those diagnosed to seek out their treatment options as quickly as possible.
The list below includes some of the most commonly asked questions about TMJ disorders.
There are many different reasons that would cause someone to be diagnosed with a case of TMJ disorder. Some of the more popular causes include teeth grinding and clenching, undergoing a great deal of stress, experiencing some type of injury that affects the jaw, being diagnosed with arthritis or living with multiple crooked teeth. Once the cause is determined, treatment will be much easier.
It is likely that those who do not undergo treatment for their case of TMJ will experience more severe symptoms over time. This is because the longer someone is living with this disorder without treatment, the more it will have a tendency to progress. When long-time TMJ patients finally decide to undergo treatment because their symptoms are worsening, they will often need more intensive treatment and for a longer period of time.
General dentists recommend a treatment plan to be made as soon as symptoms appear as this ensures that the disorder is managed and hopefully remedied long-term.
Women who are between the ages of 18 and 44 are more likely to be diagnosed with a TMJ disorder. Additional factors that increase one’s chances of being diagnosed with TMJ include having poor neck posture, being diagnosed with previous jaw-related trauma, having a mouth full of crooked teeth and being diagnosed with a connective tissue disease. It is possible for some people to avoid a TMJ disorder diagnosis altogether by asking a general dentist for their professional advice on ways to prevent it from developing.
Many individuals that suffer from TMJ pain or dysfunction will experience life-long symptoms, however, with the help of a general dentist and a personalized treatment plan, symptoms may be reduced.
When looking for more information on TMJ disorder and how it can be treated, it is best to undergo an evaluation with a general dentist. The evaluation can determine the appropriate course of action, which will likely include a number of remedies. Reach out today to find out more or to get started with an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://copdo.com or call Colorado Precision Dentistry at (303) 481-0565 for an appointment in our Highlands Ranch office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: TMJ Dentist in Highlands Ranch, CO.
Wondering if bruxism treatment is your next step because you are constantly grinding or clenching your teeth? While the underlying reasons for why someone clenches or grinds their teeth are still being researched, it is believed that lifestyle factors play a large part. Bruxism is more commonly diagnosed in those who have a sleeping disorder,…
Learning about some of the more commonly used oral surgery procedures allows dental patients to understand more about any procedures that can improve their dental health. Updated dental technologies allow dental surgery to be quick and safe, giving patients peace of mind. Know that a general dentist can typically perform certain types of surgical procedures.With…
You may need oral surgery if one of your teeth never came in properly. Most people think of an impacted tooth in relation to a wisdom tooth that only grew in partially or remained impacted; very often, that is what we treat in our Highlands Ranch dental office. We can remove your wisdom teeth so…
An abscessed tooth is quite painful, with the pain becoming so severe that people cannot complete everyday tasks. Below, we take a look at what abscessed teeth really are, how you can identify them and what can be done to prevent or alleviate their pain.A dental abscess is an accumulation of pus that forms a…
