This seems to be a common question. Many people are left wondering how they can find proper treatment for their temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder (TMD). It shouldn’t be that hard to receive the care and treatment you need for relief from pain.
Because the muscles and joints of the jaw are so complex and full of nerve endings, there are a lot of risk factors involved that can cause further complications. And when they do, the pain problems that arise can be acute and often widespread.
For example, if you suffer from TMD you might also experience headaches, earaches, ringing of the ear, nausea, fatigue, neck pain and even numbness and tingling in the hands. This occurs before your physician often realizes the jaw’s involvement. People spend a lot of time trying treatment after treatment and it’s debilitating for them.
Your dentist can provide TMD treatment
There is an unending cycle of visits to your physician for a different symptom that just leaves you dizzy and confused with the conflicting diagnosis and treatment options, as well as medical bills. Physicians are not typically well-trained in jaw problems because it is a dentist’s domain. However, most dentists still lack a solid understanding of the joint too, unless undergoing specific training.
Some interventions for the treatment of TMD include:
- Physical therapy to relax the face and neck muscles.
- Splints or oral appliance therapy.
- Botox.
- Massage.
- Anti-inflammatory medications.
- Diet and behavior modifications.
These non-invasive treatment options come first before resorting to surgery, which we avoid at all costs. They key is to understand the cause of the symptoms, such as a poor bite or muscle tension, and then treating it accordingly. Otherwise you continue to get the runaround with no relief in site.
Contact us at Craniofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Center of Georgia for more information on TMD and the treatment options available.
