What does treating TMJ involve? Your doctor will perform one of two procedures. First, a surgeon will insert a thin instrument containing light or lens during an arthroscopy. The surgeon will then hook up the device to a video screen and examine your TMJ with the aid of the instrument. Your doctor may remove the inflamed tissue during this procedure or realign a disc or another part of your TMJ. This procedure has fewer risks and faster recovery times than other procedures. For TMJ treatment, visit dental clinic Calgary.
Realignment of jaw and muscles
The symptoms of TMJ are usually mild but can become severe over time. For example, you might feel pain or have a clicking or popping sound when using your jaw. Neuromuscular dentistry treats TMJ by realigning the muscles and jaw to alleviate the symptoms. This technique is highly effective for patients experiencing these symptoms. Read on for more information on this treatment option. Listed below are the benefits of neuromuscular dentistry.
Computerized Joint Vibration Analysis
An automated instrument measures the movement of the jaw and joints. Using this test, dentists can diagnose the severity of a TMJ case. A dislocated or abnormal joint will produce distinct vibrations, which will be obvious. This test can only be performed by trained professionals who know the function of joints and how to diagnose TMJ properly. Unlike traditional radiographs, this test requires a qualified dentist who has training and experience to use it.
Low-voltage electric shocks
People suffering from TMJ are increasingly seeking relief from this pain through low-voltage electric shocks. These are small electric currents that pass through nerves and are placed in the inflamed area of the jaw. However, the discomfort caused by TMJ should not be ignored because if left untreated, the condition could become worse. Physiotherapists also recommend resting the joints to help alleviate pain.
If TMJ symptoms are mild, you might not need to visit a professional. Instead, you can quickly treat it at home or get help from your dentist. However, if your condition persists, you should see a doctor. At Advanced Dental Care of East Texas, we offer transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy, which uses low-voltage electric currents to target trigger points and relieve pain.
Physical therapy
There are many benefits of physical therapy for treating TMJ, but what exactly does it entail? First, a physical therapist will thoroughly examine your neck, head, and cervical vertebrae to determine if they are affected. They may also palpate the soft tissues around the back of the jaw to look for pronounced tenderness or muscle tension. Ultimately, physical therapy can help you overcome TMJ and begin living a pain-free life.
In physical therapy, therapists will teach you exercises to strengthen your jaw and facial muscles. These exercises will help you move your jaw and neck naturally, reducing the need for pharmaceutical pain medications. Physical therapists also educate patients on proper posture and resting of the body parts. A correctly implemented physical therapy program can help patients avoid TMJ surgery altogether. While all surgical procedures carry a certain amount of risk, an excellent physical therapy program can help you avoid surgery altogether.
Arthroplasty
Arthroplasty for treating TMJ involves:
- The removal of a damaged joint component.
- Replacing it with a new one.
- Making the affected joint numb.
The procedure may be performed using synthetic bone or the patient's own bone tissue. Some patients may be ineligible for this procedure because of inflammatory responses and end-stage deterioration of the joint. Arthroplasty is an option for those who have failed previous courses and are unwilling to undergo bone-grafting surgery. Arthroscopic surgery is preferred by patients with severe pain and limited functionality and those with extensive bone erosion.
Post-operative care for arthroplasty for treating TMJ will be very similar to that of patients who have had jaw-reduction surgery. Patients should stay off of solid foods during the first few days after surgery, such as steak or fried chicken. The affected joint may be swollen and require an additional week of recovery. Patients should take pain medication or consider taking an over-the-counter muscle relaxant, depending on the cause of their spasms. Some patients may notice a change in their bite after the surgery. Patients should let their healthcare provider know if they continue to experience these side effects after two or three days.
