If you have jaw pain, clicking when you chew or speak, you may have a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. TMJ Therapy in Greenville provides successful methods to assist you in feeling better and being able to perform daily activities without pain.
Understanding TMJ Disorders
The temporomandibular joint is a bone joint that connects the lower jawbone to the skull and lets the lower jaw move up and down and side to side, making it possible to chew and speak. If this joint or the muscles around it are not working the right way, then it can lead to TMJ disorders (TMD). There are more than 30 such disorders that affect the jaw joint and its associated muscles and are collectively termed as TMD.
Symptoms of TMD: What You Should Look For
Knowing the symptoms will help you seek the help you need from a professional. Some of the typical signs include:
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw
- Pain in the face
- Trounce in opening or closing the mouth
- Clicking or popping noise in the jaw
- Headaches or migraines
- Earaches or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Neck and shoulder pain
If you have any of these symptoms, it is worth the user to see a health care professional for further assessment.
Causes and Risk Factors
TMD can happen due to:
- Jaw Injury: Dislocation or fracture of the jaw can alter the working of the TMJ.
- Bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching): This habit manifests excessive pressure on the jaw joint.
- Arthritis: inflammatory conditions can attack the TMJ.
- Malocclusion: Inappropriate alignment of the teeth leads to TMD.
- Stress: High levels of stress can lead to muscle tension, the jaw being one of them.
Certain behaviours can worsen TMD, including chewing on pens, bad posture, or biting large pieces of food.
Discovering TMJ Treatment in Greenville
For those looking for TMJ treatment in Greenville, there are several non-surgical options:
- Self-Care Practices: Applying heat or ice packs, not taking hard foods, and trying to relax can help.
- Oral Splints or Mouth Guards: A device can be worn on the teeth, which can reduce the pressure on the TMJ.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to stretch and strengthen jaw muscles, ultrasound treatment, etc. can be helpful.
- Medicines: Your doctor may prescribe painkillers, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatory drugs.
This therapy seeks to decrease pain and enhance jaw mobility without surgical intervention.
Getting TMJ Treatment
In case the non-surgical treatment fails to relieve the pain, then other visits for TMJ treatments near you include:
- Injections: Some particles, including corticosteroids or botulinum toxin (botox), can be injected to ease pain and decrease inflammation.
- Arthrocentesis: A minimally invasive procedure that removes particles from the joint space.
- Surgery: Surgery is required when the condition is chronic and cannot be treated by the above methods; then, surgery is used to repair or replace the joint.
It is advisable to get the pros and cons of these treatments from a qualified healthcare professional.
Visiting Lemon Tree Dental for TMJ Pain
At Lemon Tree Dental, we understand how TMJ disorders can change your life. Our team is committed to offering one-on-one care to help you feel better and to be able to chew like you are supposed to. As a dentist in Greenville, we provide an exhaustive study of the patient and a treatment plan based on the patient’s case.
You shouldn’t have to suffer from jaw pain and miss out on important moments in your life. Call Lemon Tree Dental today to set up an appointment and begin the road to a pain-free future.
Call us today for TMJ pain!