Previous Posts
- Instant Orthodontics
- Homemade Anti-Cavity Mouthwash Recipe
- Nutrition Tips for a Healthy Smile
- What is Neuromuscular Dentistry?
- Dental Bonding Benefits and Drawbacks
- Zirconia Abutments for Dental Implants
- Smile Design Options for Smile Makeovers
- Dental Crown Benefits
- Porcelain Veneers vs. Lumineers
- Osseointegration
Cosmetic Dentistry Directory Blog
Cosmetic Dentistry Directory
Friday, June 29, 2012
TMJ Treatment Options
TMJ
is a painful condition occurring when your jaw becomes misaligned. The
temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to your skull, is one of the most
complex joints in your body. Alignment issues with this joint can lead to a
variety of painful symptoms that impact your daily life.
TMJ can be treated using the principles of neuromuscular
dentistry, which focuses on restoring your jaw to its ideal resting
position in order to correct any alignment issues that may be present.
TMJ treatment
is generally completed in two phases. The first phase seeks to alleviate any
painful TMJ symptoms you may experience. This can be accomplished using one or
more of the following:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce pain and inflammation in the joint
- Muscle relaxants to help relax tight jaw muscles, particularly in people who clench their teeth
- Tricyclic antidepressants to relieve pain
- Corticosteroid drugs to reduce pain and joint inflammation
- A diet of soft foods which do not require your mouth to open wide or exert significant force when chewing
- Apply warm compresses to any areas where you experience pain
Once your pain has been alleviated, you can begin the second
phase of TMJ treatment, which seeks to correct the underlying condition causing
your jaw misalignment. This can be accomplished using:
- Orthotic mouth guard
- Dental restorations
- Orthodontics
If you suffer from TMJ, please contact us today to find an experienced neuromuscular dentist in
your area.
posted by
Andrew
at
10:18 AM
<< Home