Temporo-Mandibular Disorder in Memnagar Ahmedabad

Temporo-Mandibular Disorder

What are the temporomandibular joints (TMJ)?

The two joints that attach your lower jaw to your skull are called the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). More specifically, these are the mandibular (lower jaw) and temporal bone joints that move and rotate in front of each ear (the side and base of the skull). One of the body’s most complicated joints is the TMJ. The mandible may move up and down, side to side, and back and forth thanks to these joints and several muscles. Smooth muscle activities like eating, talking, yawning, and swallowing can occur when the mandible and the joints are appropriately positioned. Multiple issues may arise when these structures (muscles, ligaments, disc, jaw bone, and temporal bone) are not aligned or coordinated in movement.

What is temporomandibular disorder (TMD)?

Disorders of the jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints, and facial nerves are referred to as temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The temporomandibular disorder may be caused by an issue that hinders the intricate system of muscles, bones, and joints from cooperating in harmony.

TMD is classified by the following criteria:-

Myofascial pain

It is the most typical TMD type. It causes discomfort or soreness in the muscles that operate the jaw, neck, and shoulder as well as in the fascia, the connective tissue that covers the muscles.

Internal derangement of the joint

This refers to a fractured condyle or displaced disc.

Degenerative joint disease

This includes jaw joint osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

What causes TMD?

The exact cause of this condition may not always be known. Overuse of the jaw joints and the muscles that control eating, swallowing, and speaking might occasionally be the primary reason. It’s possible that bruxism caused this strain. This is the uncontrollably repeated act of clenching or grinding the teeth. TMD, however, may result from head, neck, or jaw injuries. TMD pain can also be brought on by arthritis and disc displacement in the jaw joint. In some instances, the discomfort from TMD may overlap with or be exacerbated by another unpleasant medical condition, such as fibromyalgia or irritable bowel syndrome.

An individual may be more susceptible to developing chronic TMD due to several clinical, psychological, sensory, genetic, and neurological system factors, according to a new study by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

What treatments are available for TMJ disorders?

Simple self-care techniques, conservative therapies, injections, and open surgery are all treatment methods. The majority of medical professionals concur that conservative, nonsurgical therapy should be tried first and surgery should only be used as a last resort.

Examples of non-surgical TMJ treatments?

If you have been given a TMJ dysfunction diagnosis, your doctor will likely first suggest conservative therapy choices. To relieve TMJ pain, many of these treatments can be used in conjunction with one another:

Use cold or moist heat packs

For severe pain, place an ice pack on the side of your face and the area around your temple area for about 15 minutes. Practice some straightforward jaw stretches (as instructed by your healthcare provider). Apply a warm washcloth or towel to the side of your face for about 8 minutes after working out. Repeat this several times every day.

Consume soft food

Eat soft meals like yogurt, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, soup, scrambled eggs, salmon, cooked fruits and vegetables, beans, and grains to keep your jaw from working overtime. Avoid chewy foods and foods that are hard and crunchy. Avoid chewing gum.

Take medications

Try over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), or naproxen (Aleve®), to reduce discomfort and swelling. Your doctor may recommend stronger doses of NSAIDs or other painkillers, such as narcotic analgesics. Muscle relaxants can aid in loosening up tight jaw muscles, especially in those who grind or clench their teeth. Anti-anxiety medications can ease stress, which is sometimes believed to make TMJ symptoms worse. Antidepressants taken at modest doses can also help regulate or lessen pain.

Put on a night guard or splint

Mouthpieces that fit over your upper or lower teeth are called splints and night guards. The mouthpieces offer secure tooth contacts during closure when worn. Mouth guards, when worn, also improve your bite by shifting your jaw into a more advantageous posture. The fundamental distinction between splints and night guards is that the former are worn continuously while the latter are only worn at night. You may need a certain sort of oral appliance, which your healthcare provider can identify.

Take advantage of dental restorations.