TMJ, short for temporomandibular joint disorders, causes pain mainly in the jaw joint. For some people, its symptoms include pain in the ears and other parts of the face; jaws that lock or can't be opened comfortably; painful or continuously changing bite; headaches; neck, back, or shoulder pain; and even swelling in some parts of the face. Cosmetic dentistry procedures today, however, have the capability not just to improve your dental and facial appearance, but also to remedy these symptoms.
TMJ sometimes leads to serious concerns about your teeth and facial structure due to cracked and worn teeth and permanently damaged ligaments and tendons in the jaw area. The cause of this disorder may be unknown, but a wide range of treatments, from therapy to surgery, are available to help you from suffering any further.
When consulting a dentist about TMJ, you'll undergo thorough dental and medical examination. The dentist may order dental x-ray, CT scan, and MRI tests to be able to know the TMJ problems you're experiencing. Your jaw movement will be checked - if you can open your jaws widely, if there are popping and clicking sounds, or if there is painful chewing. Worn-out teeth and infected ears and sinuses may be found out also.
Simple procedures and guidelines are often recommended for this disorder. To reduce muscle tension and spasm, ice packs can be used. Also, you may be advised to avoid chewy, crunchy, or tough types of food like candy, beef, raw vegetables, and the like.
One restorative and cosmetic dentistry treatment for this is occlusal equilibration. The dentist will reshape the teeth surfaces to take out any deflective interference, eventually helping the jaws to function properly and comfortably.
You may be prescribed to wear a mouth guard instead. It's usually a plastic or acrylic shield that will keep you from grinding and clenching your teeth. On the other hand, corrective dental therapy may be done to restore the stability of your bite. If wearing dental bridges or crowns, they may need to be adjusted to perfect the alignment of your teeth.
Lastly, severe TMJ cases may require arthroscopy, joint replacement and restructuring, or ligament tightening. These are rarely done - when all other cosmetic dentistry treatments just couldn't do.
At the first sign of a TMJ problem, make sure you consult a dentist. There are many treatment options available today. Letting the disorder go unchecked and untreated will only make the pain and other symptoms worse.
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