The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is the joint connecting the mandible (lower jaw) and temporal bone of the skull. Disorders of the TMJ are frequently caused by diseases which cause infection or arthritis, injury to the jaw, or normal wear and tear. Patients can find hospitals and specialty offices for West Haven dentists who are experts in the TMJ and TMD field.
TMJ disorder (TMD) can lead to an assortment of jaw ailments including chewing difficulties, constrained jaw movement, jaw locking, and clicking noises when opening the mouth. Furthermore, TMJ disorders have been linked with health issues such as migraine and tension headaches, dizziness, and exhaustion.
The predicament with TMD is that many other diseases can mimic the symptoms of this disorder. Patients may be wrongly diagnosed as suffering from gum disease, toothaches, or sinus problems. Another problem is that the symptoms vary greatly from patient to patient, which makes it difficult to determine the true cause of the problem.
Although TMD can be tricky to diagnose, doctors use multiple tests to help correctly identify the patient's disease. Doctors usually start with the standard process of gathering the patient's health history and an extensive physical examination. Additionally, the doctor may order specialized tests such as further X-rays, CT scans, or MRI testing to aid in the diagnosing process.
Once the patient has been determined to be suffering from TMD, doctors make recommendations for treatment. Usually, a night guard which is custom fit for the patient is prescribed. This split helps prevent night grinding, which causes jaw pain and teeth shearing. Another common treatment is TENS, electrical neuromuscular stimulation, which stimulates the jaw muscles and helps ease pain and discomfort in that area.
Doctors and patients alike need to be more informed about TMD, so that the disorder is correctly diagnosed in sufferers. Not only will patients find relief in jaw pain and headaches, but will also benefit from better sleep quality and improved body posture.
Author Resource:-
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