When you think of visiting a dentist for treatment, it is almost always about a dental problem involving your teeth. The common case involves a toothache caused by dental decay. This is why many people associate dentistry with teeth treatment only. However, there is more to dentistry than caring for your teeth.
TMJ treatment is evidence that dentistry cares for more than just your teeth. It is concerned with your jawbone’s health and how it affects the functionality of your oral cavity.
It is an acronym used to refer to the temporomandibular joint. This is a joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. The joint is located close by the ears on both sides. This joint makes it possible for your jaw to move up and down. It means that functions like speaking, eating, biting, yawning, and many others, are supported by the TMJ. Essentially, the joint allows for the optimal functioning of the mouth.
When there is a problem with this joint, it causes problems for your oral cavity. Many times patients that seek TMJ treatment in Huntington Beach them do so following significant pain. It is painful to move your mouth up and down when the joint is dysfunctional.
There are three common ways that damage can happen to your TMJ, including:
The exact cause of the disorder has not yet been determined. However, this joint that acts as a sliding hinge can be damaged in different ways, including the following:
The best way to determine whether or not you need TMJ pain treatment is to identify the symptoms you are exhibiting that may be associated with TMJ disease. Some of the symptoms you experience may also tell you how severe the disorder is, and whether you need treatment in an ER for emergency dentistry. Some of the common signs and symptoms, therefore, include:
Treating TMJ disorder can be done differently, depending on the severity as well as the cause. Some treatment methods include wearing night guards when you sleep, mouthguards for protection during sports, surgical measures, and therapy sessions to manage your stress and anxiety.