Saturday, February 9, 2013

Many TMJ Sufferers Find Relief With Fort Worth Dentist

By Lance Aldinger


A Fort Worth dentist is skilled at alleviating the pain associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Also known as TMJ syndrome, it involves chronic and acute pain in the joint of the jaw and the surrounding muscles.

There are several factors which may cause the condition. Among them are tendencies to clench and grind teeth, arthritis and jaw injury. Usually, this disorder affects females between the ages of 20 and 40.

The symptoms of the condition are multiple. They might include throbbing pain in and around the ear, sounds of clicking when opening the mouth, throbbing pain in the face, and tenderness of the jaw. Also, the jaw joint may become locked up, which makes opening and closing the mouth very challenging.

The temporomandibular joint functions with a combination of sliding motions and hinge actions. Many bones interact within this joint. In a healthy mouth, these movements are kept smooth through a covering of bone cartilage as well as separations with tiny shock-absorbing discs. When the discs erode or become misaligned or damaged, the result is frequently TMJ syndrome.

Individuals who suffer from the condition can find comfort by eating soft food, and the topical applications of ice packs. Also, short-term relief may be achieved with over-the-counter medications. Avoiding excessive jaw movements may also be beneficial. These include actions such as chewing gum and yawning.

Fort Worth dentist practitioners can help their patients with pain reduction. These professionals can check to make certain patients do not have bite discrepancies with their existing bridges and crowns. In some cases, overnight mouth guards (occlusal splints) may be useful. These help to prevent the loss of enamel on the teeth by grinding, and can help prevent overnight jaw clenching. Patients who have more extreme cases may require orthotics. These devices are worn throughout the night and day to provide the muscles as well as joints time to heal.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment