Have you ever heard your jaw pop while sitting down to dinner? You’re not alone! Approximately 10 million Americans suffer from pain and discomfort in their jaw and the muscles surrounding these joints – a condition called TMJ disorder. Interestingly, the condition is found to be more common in women than in men. Thankfully, there are great options for your TMJ treatment in Oak Park.
Furthermore, typically the discomfort in these joints is only temporary and only manifests in cycles. When the aching dissipates, treatment is no longer needed. However, some people develop long-term symptoms of this disorder, necessitating further treatment.
How Does Your Dentist Diagnose and Treat TMJ?
How Is TMJ Diagnosed?
When you are experiencing aches and discomfort in your jaw, your dentist will conduct a physical examination. They may ask you to open and close your mouth to listen and feel how your jaw moves. Your doctor may also take note of your jaw’s range of motion.
To identify where the pain is coming from, your dentist may press on certain areas in and around your jaw. X-rays, CT scans, and an MRI may be ordered to examine and obtain detailed images of your teeth, jaw, and soft tissues. All of these tools will assist your dentist in diagnosing TMJ and creating a tailored treatment.
How Is TMJ Treated?
Consider yourself lucky if the symptoms of TMJ disappear without TMJ treatment. However, what happens if they stick around? Doctors recommend various treatment options that are often done simultaneously. Furthermore, your procedure will depend on how well your body responds to the treatments.
Sometimes dentists prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers to relieve some of the pressure. One of the drugs prescribed to TMJ patients includes tricyclic antidepressants. This medication is used to control bruxism which will provide pain relief. Your dentist may also subscribe to muscle relaxants to stop spams.
Mouthguards and oral splints may also be ordered for TMJ patients as well as counseling and physical therapy.
Do You Need TMJ Treatment in Oak Park?
Does your jaw hurt when you open or close your mouth? If the aching doesn’t seem to stop, call our office! You shouldn’t have to live with the extra pain! At One Fine Smile, our mission is to make our clients feel happy and satisfied with their smiles. We use state-of-the-art equipment and the latest technology to treat a wide spectrum of dental problems. Give us a call or visit our website to learn more about our services.