Treatment Options for TMJ Disorders

Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle disorders (TMJ), is a condition that restricts the movement of your jaws, inducing pain to the jaw joint and muscles. It's resulted from clenching of the teeth. A TMJ disorder is associated with the following symptoms:

·       Headaches

·       Chewing problems

·       Pain associated with yawning

·       Swelling of your joint muscles

·       Teeth tightening

Once you experience the above symptoms, it would help if you visit a dentist in Alexandria. We perform an X-ray examination to determine the severity of your condition. We also use a CT scan or an MRI to check on your affected tissues.

Various Treatment Procedures for TMJ Conditions

Below are some applicable approaches that we utilize in the treatment of TMJ conditions:

Use of Therapies

Some of the therapeutic procedures used in the treatment of your TMJ disorders may include:

·       Use of custom-made oral splint appliances over your teeth. They are soft and firm, to avoid clenching of your teeth, that causes pain into your jaws.

·       Physical exercises and therapy strengthen and stretch your jaw muscles. At instances, ultrasound can be used during the treatment.

Invasive and Non-invasive Procedures

·       TMJ arthroscopy can be used to treat various TMJ syndromes. It involves the insertion of a thin tube into your joint space. The procedure is surgical and might require an oral sedation

·       Some injections into your joints may relieve muscle pain caused by TMJ disorders while chewing.

·       Open surgery can be useful to replace or repair your joint it's a risky procedure that's performed carefully as a last resort. The invasive procedure is used if more-conservative treatments options do not resolve your jaw bone pain. The structural form of your joints would need a surgical process, upon evaluations from your dentist.

During treatment, your dentist in Alexandria, Virginia, can perform a minimally invasive procedure into your joint by inserting needles to remove debris and agents that cause inflammation.

Various Forms of Medications

Dentists may recommend you use the following prescribed medication to relieve pain:

·       Muscle relaxants

·       Intake of antidepressants in low doses to lower your pain

·       Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers

Home-Based Remedies

To avoid clenching your teeth leading to pain in your jaws, you can use the following home remedies:

·       Use an ice cube or a warm moist cloth on your affected part to alleviate pain.

·       Chew soft foods to avoid a lot of jaw movements.

·       Undergo a therapeutic massage to relax your jaw bone muscles.

Your dentist in Alexandria, Virginia, will determine the best treatment procedure for you, based on how severe your condition seems. We handle all the treatment options with safe equipment. We provide you with both surgical and lifestyle approaches in treating TMJ disorders.