Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ Disorder) is the pain felt in the jaw joint, which is caused by many factors like aging, disease, trauma, and habitual behaviors. If you hear clicking sounds in the jaw, experience locked jaws, have bite problems, get constant headaches or ear pain, or often feel stiffness in the neck -- you are probably suffering from TMJ.
Humans have two temporomandibular joint located on both sides of the head. It consists of muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and bones. It moves by rotation and helps in chewing and in opening and closing the mouth.
In minor cases of TMJ Disorder, patients can just take counter pain medication. If the pain persists or if locked jaw or a dislocated jaw is experienced, it is important to seek medical help right away. Your local dentist in Charlotte NC may either give you higher doses of pain medicine and apply heat compression or make a splint/bite plate if you are grinding your teeth. Jaw exercises may also be recommended to control the pain. Chewing gum will also be prohibited and it is advised to eat soft food.
If none of the above works, injecting pain medication will be the next option. Local anesthesia will be directly injected to your jaw to lessen the pain.
In some cases, medication and jaw exercises may no longer work. TMJ Disorder caused by major trauma will need surgery. In this procedure, jaw joints will be replaced by artificial implants. This option is irreversible, which is why it is essential to research first and to talk with your dentist.
For more information on Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, visit a dental clinic like Southpark Oral Surgery.
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