TMJ is the abbreviated form of the word temporomandibular joint. By definition, temporomandibular joint refers to the joint that connects the temporal bones of the skull and the jaw. When there is a medical condition affecting these joint, the medical problem is referred to as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). When in need of the best specialists in TMJ treatment Atlanta is the most recommendable location to check out.
TMD is associated with a wide range of symptoms and signs. Several other medical conditions also present symptoms that are very close in resemblance to TMD. This fact can sometimes render it difficult to tell exactly if the problem one has is TMD. However, various diagnostic tests have been developed that can give precise results. A dentist can give a precise diagnosis of the problem.
Examples of symptoms associated with TMD are pain in the jaws, around the ear, and face, earaches, headaches, and pressure and pain behind eyes. The headaches one feels resemble migraines mostly. Additional symptoms are swollen faces, tender jaw muscles, sticky jaws, and clicking sounds upon opening the mouth. If the condition seems to worsen, other symptoms not mentioned here may also present.
TMD does not have any single cure. Several different approaches can be adopted to ease symptoms. Most management approaches ease symptoms. Symptoms experienced by most people are temporary and never worsen. They may last a few weeks and disappear without being treated. However, it is also possible that they can return with no warning at all.
Various treatment options exist for TMD. One of the approaches involve adopting a diet that is made of soft foods. Soft food needs less effort to chew, which allows time for the jaws to rest and heal. Food taken should be easily chewable and must be cut into small pieces to avoid opening the mouth too wide. Yoghurt, cottage cheese, grains, soup, beans, scrambled eggs, fish, and mashed potatoes are some examples of soft foods one can eat.
Some people also find the use of moist heat and ice packs coupled with exercise to be very helpful. Spasms in the muscles of the jaw may occur if the muscles are tight. Applying moist heat relaxes them. One should apply moist heat for about ten minutes and then exercise the jaws. A dentist can provide better advice on how to exercise the jaws properly.
After one applies moist heat and exercises the jaws, they should conclude the routine by applying a pack of ice. This has to be repeated on a daily basis multiple times in a day. The problem may go away after a few days or a couple of weeks. If after a couple of weeks nothing has changed, it is time to seek the services of a dentist.
In most cases, it is dentists who deal with TMD patients. A dentist may prescribe medications for one to take over a given period of time. In the initial stages, the dentist may refer the patient to a physical therapist if they think that it can help. There is also a surgical option for severe cases.
TMD is associated with a wide range of symptoms and signs. Several other medical conditions also present symptoms that are very close in resemblance to TMD. This fact can sometimes render it difficult to tell exactly if the problem one has is TMD. However, various diagnostic tests have been developed that can give precise results. A dentist can give a precise diagnosis of the problem.
Examples of symptoms associated with TMD are pain in the jaws, around the ear, and face, earaches, headaches, and pressure and pain behind eyes. The headaches one feels resemble migraines mostly. Additional symptoms are swollen faces, tender jaw muscles, sticky jaws, and clicking sounds upon opening the mouth. If the condition seems to worsen, other symptoms not mentioned here may also present.
TMD does not have any single cure. Several different approaches can be adopted to ease symptoms. Most management approaches ease symptoms. Symptoms experienced by most people are temporary and never worsen. They may last a few weeks and disappear without being treated. However, it is also possible that they can return with no warning at all.
Various treatment options exist for TMD. One of the approaches involve adopting a diet that is made of soft foods. Soft food needs less effort to chew, which allows time for the jaws to rest and heal. Food taken should be easily chewable and must be cut into small pieces to avoid opening the mouth too wide. Yoghurt, cottage cheese, grains, soup, beans, scrambled eggs, fish, and mashed potatoes are some examples of soft foods one can eat.
Some people also find the use of moist heat and ice packs coupled with exercise to be very helpful. Spasms in the muscles of the jaw may occur if the muscles are tight. Applying moist heat relaxes them. One should apply moist heat for about ten minutes and then exercise the jaws. A dentist can provide better advice on how to exercise the jaws properly.
After one applies moist heat and exercises the jaws, they should conclude the routine by applying a pack of ice. This has to be repeated on a daily basis multiple times in a day. The problem may go away after a few days or a couple of weeks. If after a couple of weeks nothing has changed, it is time to seek the services of a dentist.
In most cases, it is dentists who deal with TMD patients. A dentist may prescribe medications for one to take over a given period of time. In the initial stages, the dentist may refer the patient to a physical therapist if they think that it can help. There is also a surgical option for severe cases.
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