TMJ Disorder Treatment
Free yourself from TMJ pain!
TMJ disorder affects your jaw and the muscles that control it. TMJ condition treatment is available at Smile Crew to ease your pain and discomfort.
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TMJ Disorders and Jaw Pain Treatment Croydon Dentist
The TMJ or temporomandibular joint is a sliding hinge that connects the jawbone to the skull. There is one joint on either side of the head. TMJ disorders sometimes cause pain in the joint of the jaws and in the muscles that are used in the jaw movement.
It is difficult to determine the exact cause of TMJ disorders. There may be a single or a combination of some factors, including jaw injury, genetics, bruxism, and arthritis.
For some patients, the pain and discomfort experienced because of TMJ, may be relieved without any surgical treatments. However, if medication or other suggested methods fail, then our dentists resort to surgical treatments.
Want to know more? Contact our team to schedule your free initial consultation with us.
What are the Symptoms of TMJ?
Some signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders may include:
- Facial pain
- Pain in and around the ears
- Difficulty in opening/closing your mouth (locked joint)
- Tenderness and/or pain in the jaw
- Extreme pain when chewing
- Pain in one or both of the TMJ
TMJ disorders usually cause a ‘click’ sound when you open your mouth or chew. Several people may hear this ‘click’ sound but may experience no pain. There is no treatment required in such a situation. However, you may come and speak to our dentist to take their advice on how to care for your condition, so it doesn’t lead to further problems.
What are the Causes of TMJ?
TMJ is located where the jaw meets the head. This connection of jaw and head is established by a type of sliding hinge. The bones that are involved in this joint are shielded with cartilage. The bones are separated by a small disk which is responsible for the smooth movement of the jaw. TMJ disorder may be caused when:
- The cartilage present in the joints is damaged because of arthritis
- The disc moves out of its natural alignment
- The joint is damaged because of an impact or a hard blow
There are some more reasons for TMJ, however, these may happen randomly, and their exact cause is undetermined. These include:
- Jaw injury
- Genetics
- Bruxism or clenching or grinding of teeth
- Connective tissue disease that may affect the TMJ
What are the Treatment Options Available for TMJ?
In some patients, TMJ disorders may vanish without any treatment. However, if pain and symptoms persist, there are several types of treatments that our caring dentists may suggest.
Our amazing dentist will offer the best treatment that will help in curing your condition, after a detailed consultation session with you. We may also have to conduct some X-rays, CT scan, or other required tests before custom creating a treatment plan for you.
- Non-surgical options to correct TMJ disorder may be the use of a night-guard or splint. Night-guards are custom-made and fitted according to the shape of your teeth. They hold the jaw in a comfortable position. Splints are usually worn at night and they help to relax the jaw muscles. Our dentists and specialists will customize a night-guard for you.
- Along with the use of a splint, our dentists may also prescribe you anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or antidepressants as required by your condition and the extent of pain you experience.
- There are some mouth and jaw exercises that help in strengthening jaw muscles and relaxing them too. Our dentists will teach you to do these exercises.
- Heat and ice packs also help in relaxing the jaw pain and pains that arise because of TMJ disorder.
If the non-surgical options do not help in treating the TMJ disorders, then dentists at Smile Crew Dentist Croydon will suggest surgical options. Depending on your condition there are different types of surgical treatment that are usually used by our dentists to treat TMJ disorders. These include:
- TMJ Arthroscopy – The dentist places a small thin tube known as cannula in the space of the joint. They then insert an arthroscope through this thin tube. This helps in fixing the TMJ disorder.
- Arthrocentesis – This procedure uses small needles to insert fluid in the TMJ joint to remove any by-products or debris that may be present in the joint. It is a minimally invasive procedure.
- Modified Condylotomy – In this surgical process, our dentist performs surgery on the mandible to correct the issue of TMJ indirectly.
- Injections – Our dentists also give injections on the jaw to relieve the pain associated with TMJ disorders.
- Open-Joint Surgery – This is usually the last option that our dentists may consider because there are several risks associated with it. An open-joint surgery is considered when TMJ disorder is caused because of structural issues. Our dentist may have to replace and repair the joint.
What is the Cost of Treating TMJ Disorders in Croydon?
TMJ disorders may vary in terms of severity for each person. Our dentists will offer the patients a custom treatment that best suits their condition. The cost of treating TMJ disorders starts from $1650. For a personalised quote, please book a consultation with our dentist.
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