The temporomandibular, or hinge, joint connects the lower mandible, or lower jaw, to the temporal skull bone. The temporal bone is located in the front of the ears. These joints are flexible and allow the jaw to move so you can chew, talk or yawn. In addition, muscles are attached around and to the jaw to control movement. Temporomandibular disorders, or TMD, can result from whiplash, dislocation of the soft tissue, grinding teeth or stress of the jaw. As a result there can be pain or tenderness in and around the jaw, limited ability to open the mouth and difficulty chewing. Fortunately, there are various treatments for TMD before surgery is considered.
Mouth Guards
Plastic mouthpieces, such as night guards or splints, fit over the upper or lower teeth. Splints can be worn 24 hours a day, but night guards can only be used at night. If you choose this treatment option you'll grind or clench your teeth less. Also, the mouthpieces can correct your bite by repositioning the teeth in the least traumatic position. Contact your dentist to see which type of mouthpiece you'll need.
Dental Visit
If jaw pain is caused by missing teeth, an overbite or underbite, visit the dentist. The dentist can replace missing teeth with bridges or crowns. Also, an orthodontist can apply braces to the teeth. These options will balance the surfaces of the teeth. In addition, your jaw alignment or bite can be corrected. Missing teeth or any incorrect alignments in your jaw or teeth treatment can cause pain and pressure, so making these corrections can eliminate TMD pain.
Pain Relief Techniques
Your dentist can show you simple stretching exercises or techniques that will aid in pain relief. For instance, your dentist can instruct you place an ice pack on the side of your face, including the temple, for 10 minutes. After performing the stretching exercises, place a warm towel on the same side of the face for approximately five minutes. Ask your dentist if physical therapy can also help your TMD condition. A physical therapist can teach techniques to help control the muscle tension in your jaw. Also, stress reduction can relieve pain if you clench or grind your teeth.
Habits to Avoid
To avoid further pain, keep unnecessary chewing such as gum or ice to a minimum. In addition, avoid singing and yawing as much as possible if extreme movements hurt or lock the jaw. Don't hold the telephone between your ear and shoulder. Also, do not rest your chin in the palm of your hand. Since these actions can put more pressure on the jaw, avoiding them can relieve pain.
Keept Teeth Apart
To relieve pressure or pain keep the upper and lower teeth slightly apart. Do this as much as much as you can to control grinding and clenching. If you need help to do this, put your tongue between your upper and lower jaws.
Surgery
When all other treatments fail, there are three types of surgery options for TMD. With an open-joint surgery, the entire area of the jaw is open so the surgeon can have better access to the area. This is done if the jaw joint is deteriorated or there are tumors or severe scarring in the joint. The open surgery option leaves less scarring, is less invasive and has a shorter recovery time. Arthrocentesis is a minor surgery that removes tissue adhesion bands and dislodges a disc that may be stuck in front of the ball portion of the jaw. With arthroscopy surgery, any inflamed tissue will be removed, and your disc or condyle will be realigned.
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