Having chronic jaw pain can make life more challenging and harder to enjoy. While it is not always the case, chronic jaw pain is a major indicator of TMJ problems. Understanding the structures of the jaw can help dentists to understand the best way to treat them. Here is what TMJ is and how to treat problems that may arise in Mohegan Lake, NY.
What Is TMJ?
TMJ is an abbreviation for the temporomandibular joint. This joint connects the lower jawbone to the rest of the skull in the area near the ears. This joint is critical to a person’s overall oral and dental health but can also be worn out over a lifetime.
There are many reasons why TMJ problems arise. What is consistent, however, are the symptoms caused by TMJ problems. Some of the common symptoms are:
- Jaw pain and locking
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Misaligned teeth
- Worn-down teeth
- Headaches/migraines
- Eye pain
- Backaches
- Earaches
- Tinnitus or ringing in the ear
- Vertigo
How Is TMJ Disorder Treated?
Luckily, there are a variety of ways to treat TMJ disorders today. When examining which option is best, it is important to consider the severity of every individuals personal condition. Many Americans leave TMJ untreated because they do not believe it is bad enough to warrant professional treatment. But, one can still receive treatment for minor TMJ issues that are not invasive or surgical.
For example, a mouthguard can be made to help treat TMJ problems. This can help align a patient’s jaws when they are asleep and throughout the day. It is one of the easiest options to access cost-wise.
Another way to treat minor TMJ, includes the use of orthodontic devices to straighten one’s teeth. Teeth being misaligned can cause peoples bites to take on weird shapes that may be unnatural for mouths. This can cause the TMJ to strain in certain ways leading to pain.
Understanding TMJ Issues
One of the first things dentists do to understand TMJ issues, is to use the J5 Tens Unit. This unit can help relax the jaw muscles through the use of an electric massage. This can help doctors diagnose exactly where the pain is coming from and determine the right treatment course.
Another evaluative tool used in Mohegan Lake, NY, is known as the K7 Evaluation System. This is the leading way to measure the health of the jaw through the use of computerized scans taken of the jaw. This is also paired with the Tekscan® T-Scan which is a digital bite sensor tool that can show how a bite is aligning.
Getting Treatment For Your TMJ Problems
After an evaluation, our team will determine the best course of action for the treatment of your TMJ problems in Mohegan Lake, NY. The vast majority of issues relating to the TMJ can be handled non-surgically. That is because our excellent doctors have been highly trained in understanding and treating TMJ disorders as they appear.
Stop waiting for your jaw to feel better and seek out the treatment you deserve! Get in contact with Dr. George Sepiashvili in our Advanced Dentistry of Mohegan Lake office to schedule an appointment today.
