TMJ disorders
Temporomandibular Joints The mandible and the temporal bone of the skull articulate to form the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It is situated on the lateral side of the face, anterior to the tragus of the ear. We at Oracare Multispeciality Dental Clinic and Implant Centre, Dombivli are experts in treating all types of TMJ pathologies.
Articulating Surfaces
The mandibular fossa, the squamous section of the temporal bone, and the head of the mandible make up the temporomandibular joint. The mechanics of this joint is special because an articular disc keeps the articular surfaces of the bones from ever contacting one another. Instead of hyaline cartilage, the articular surface of the bones is covered by fibrocartilage ligaments. TMJ dysfunction develops when the muscles and ligaments surrounding your jaw joints experience inflammation or irritation. The illness could be short or long-lasting, and the pain it causes could be slight or excruciating.
What brings about temporomandibular joint dysfunction?
Injury to the jaw joints or surrounding tissues might result in TMJ dysfunction. Other TMD causes include:
- Bruxism (teeth clenching or grinding)
- Dislocation of the ball and socket joint
- Arthritis in TMJ
- Stress
- Acute injury
- Improper bite
What are the symptoms of TMJ disorders?
TMJ dysfunction is more common in women than in men between the ages of 20 and 40.
The following are typical TMJ symptoms:
- Jaw aches
- Headaches.
- Pain in the ear and area surrounding the tragus
- Neck or shoulder discomfort
- Difficulty in opening the mouth wide
- Jaws that get locked due to wide opening
- Cracking or clicking sound in the jaws
- Trouble during chewing
- Teeth do not align well
- Swelling or pain in the jaws during the morning
How can Tmj disorders be evaluated?
Whenever you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms then it’s important to get yourself examined by your dentist. Your dentist would evaluate you clinically. Some investigations can that can be carried out are:
Orthopantogramic view-This kind of dental X-ray provides a comprehensive picture of your teeth, jawbone, and TMJs.
CBCT imaging-Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of your teeth, jaws, facial bones, and sinuses provide thousands of images.
A detailed 3-D image is created by stitching together these images. Dental CT scans provide your doctor with a more thorough understanding of your facial structure.
MRI tests-Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be utilized in specific circumstances to examine the soft tissues in and around the jaw joints.
These images display the disk’s location, inflammation, and any potential jaw locking. Dr. Sagar Joshi has completed his master’s in Oral Medicine and Radiology. He is an expert in diagnosing pathologies related to the oral and maxillofacial regions.
How are TMJ problems handled?
There are numerous approaches to treating TMJ issues due to the wide range of possible causes.
Non-surgical TMJ treatment
If you have been given a TMJ dysfunction diagnosis, your doctor will likely first suggest conservative therapy choices. To relieve TMJ pain, many of these treatments can be used in conjunction with one another:
Cold or moist heat packs
For severe pain, place an ice pack on the side of your face and the area around your temples for about 10 minutes. Apply a warm washcloth or towel to the side of your face for about five minutes after working out. Repeat this several times every day.
Consume soft food.
Consume soft food. Eat soft meals like yogurt, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, soup, scrambled eggs, salmon, cooked fruits and vegetables, beans, and grains to keep your jaw from working overtime. Avoid chewy foods and foods that are hard and crunchy (such as hard rolls, pretzels, and raw carrots) (like caramels and taffy). Avoid chewing gum.
Medicines
Try over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, and ibuprofen to reduce discomfort and swelling. Your doctor may recommend stronger doses of NSAIDs or other painkillers, such as narcotic analgesics.
Muscle relaxants can aid in loosening up tight jaw muscles, especially in those who grind or clench their teeth.
Splint or night guards
Splints and night guards are mouthpieces that fit over your upper or lower teeth. When worn, the mouthpieces provide stable tooth contacts during closure and also correct your bite by placing your jaw in a more favorable position.
Corrective dental treatments
These treatments include replacing missing teeth or using crowns, bridges, or braces to bring your bite into proper balance and alignment.
Limit your jaw motions
What other TMJ therapies are there?
Your healthcare professional might advise one or more of the following if conservative treatments don’t work:
Electrical nerve stimulation transcutaneously (TENS).
This treatment uses low-level electrical currents to relax your jaw joint and facial muscles to relieve pain.
Injections into trigger points
In order to ease discomfort, anesthetic or painkillers are injected into the “trigger points” of the face’s delicate muscles.
Radiation therapy
The joint is electrically stimulated by low-level radio waves, which improves blood flow and relieves TMJ pain.
Surgeries of TMJ
Surgeries are done in cases where the conservative treatment shows little or no progress. Arthrocentesis, arthroscopy, and open joint surgery are the three different methods of TMJ surgery.
The intricacy of the issue and the TMJ symptoms determine the type of surgery required.
Arthrocentesis
This quick treatment is carried out in the doctor’s office, typically with a local anesthetic. When the jaw abruptly locks closed, it is frequently advised. Additionally, it can assist in lowering TMJ irritation. The afflicted joint is cleaned out by having needles stuffed with sterile fluids injected into it. Occasionally, a surgical tool is required to remove scar tissue or to eject a misaligned disc.
Arthroscopy
The patient is given general anesthesia for this surgery. Your surgeon inserts a tiny, thin piece of equipment with a lens and light after he makes a small incision in the skin just in front of the ear. The surgeon may remove inflamed tissue, reposition the disc, or treat another TMJ location, depending on the source of your pain. Compared to open joint surgery, arthroscopic surgery results in less scarring, a quicker recovery, less discomfort, and fewer complications.
Open joint operation
If you need open joint surgery, general anesthesia will be administered. In contrast to arthroscopy, open surgery is a more conventional method in which a large incision is created to implant equipment.
Dr. Sagar Joshi and Dr. Rekha Joshi have adequate experience, knowledge, and skill to treat such cases.
TMJ Disorders – Dr Rekha Joshi & Dr.Sagar Joshi Oracare Dental Clinic, Phadke road, Dombivli
Oracare Dental Clinic, Phadke road, Dombivli offers expert diagnosis and treatment for TMJ disorders. Contact us for the best TMJ care
Service Type: DENTAL SERVICES
