Did your dentist diagnose you with TMJ? If, after examining your jaw, your dentist suspects that you have TMJ you’ll be required to undergo TMJ treatment Oak Park. Before a diagnosis is made your dentist will thoroughly examine your jaw to see and feel if it makes an odd sound when you open and close your mouth and he or she will check your jaw’s range of motion and press on specific areas in and around your jaw for pain sites. When you are diagnosed with TMJ you’ll have to have it treated. The following are possible treatments for TMJ:
Medications Used
Patients with TMJ often complain of pain, which is why they are advised to take over-the-counter painkillers to relieve the pain. If the pain still lingers despite taking OTC pain medications your dentist or doctor may prescribe a stronger medication like ibuprofen. There’s also a possibility that your dentist will prescribe tricyclic antidepressants. Although these drugs are for depression they can be used to relieve pain and control bruxism. Often times your dentist or doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants for the pain.
Common Therapy
There are drugless therapies that can help treat TMJ such as the use of mouth guards or oral splints. These devices are placed over your teeth to help with jaw pain. There are also certain exercises that will help strengthen and improve your jaw muscles. The application of ice and moist heat are also possible therapies for TMJ patients.
Surgery for TMJ
If medications and therapies don’t help your dentist or doctor may suggest surgery. A procedure called arthrocentesis is done and it involves the careful insertion of tiny needles into the joint to irrigate fluid and extract inflammatory byproducts. There are also cases where patients are injected with corticosteroids for pain relief.
Looking for TMJ Treatment Oak Park?
Talk to your dentist to find which TMJ treatment Oak Park is beast for you! At One Fine Smile, we aim to help you achieve your most beautiful and comfortable smile while enjoying our spa-inspired, stress-free environment. Give us a call or visit our website to learn more about our services.