TMJ Treatment

teeth cleaning

What Is TMJ?

Short for temporomandibular joint, TMJ can be found at the base of the skull. Because of the critical positioning and functioning of this vital joint, TMJ disorders may sometimes be difficult to treat. However, TMJ treatment in Toluca Lake is an easy and affordable option accessible to all.

The TMJ facilitates easy movement of the jaw. This is to make basic functions like chewing and talking possible. The joint acts as they connect between the lower jaw, also known as the mandible, and the temporal bone. The latter lies on the side of the skull. TMJ facilitates both up and down and side-to-side movement of the jaw.

What Is TMJ Disorder?

Any problem that affects the functioning of this vital joint is TMJ disorder. Some of the common problems noted include continual pain around the jaw area. This restricts jaw movement during talking and eating.

Common Causes of TMJ Disorder

The dentist at Toluca Lake says that TMJ disorder may happen because of any of the following reasons:

  • Physical injury impacting the jaw/TMJ in specific
  • Grinding or clenching of teeth, particularly during sleep
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Dental surgery affecting the area
  • Oral infections

Some of the causes may also be genetic, hormonal, or work-related. For example, violinists have higher TMJ disorders. This is because their work involves placing the instrument under the jaw. This may sometimes cause excessive strain thereby resulting in disorder.

Possible Symptoms to Look Out For

If you notice persistent pain in the jaw area, do not hesitate to contact your Toluca Lake dentist. Besides, you may sometimes experience unusual sounds in the form of popping, clicking, or grinding. These happen during eating or talking. These sounds may also be felt simply by opening the mouth. Hey. It’s time to see your dentist.
Most important, note any restricted movement in the jaw. In case there is something that prevents it from opening fully or in certain directions. This could also be a warning sign.

How TMJ Treatment Toluca Lake Can Help?

dentist

Thankfully, My Dentist, Toluca Lake offers treatment options for TMJ disorder. A visit to the dentist may help understand the problem in detail. They may first advise you to adopt certain lifestyle changes such as avoiding teeth grinding at night. Besides, avoiding chewing gum, biting on hard foods, and clenching the jaw may also help.
Besides that, if teeth grinding is habitual, you may ask your Toluca Lake dentist to provide you with a mouthguard. Sometimes TMJ disorders are also a result of degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis. In this case, your dentist may recommend the administration of steroid injections.

Certain over-the-counter drugs may also provide short-term immediate relief from pain. However, always take them in consultation with the dentist.
If your dentist feels that the TMJ disorder is severe, they may recommend surgery as a possible option. Note that they advise surgery only when there’s something wrong with the actual TMJ itself. Sometimes very severe TMJ disorders may also require joint replacement. This option is rare though but you may discuss it with your Toluca Lake dentist.

Why Choose My Dentist Toluca Lake?

The team of dentists at Toluca Lake is highly knowledgeable. They are experts at handling a number of dental problems. Besides that, they’re sensitive to the needs of each patient. They are well aware of how to deal with individual cases differently. Looking to book an appointment or visit the clinic? Call 818-483-9077 and ask for Dr. Sahakyan. You may seek consultation with him. This will help you to learn more about the possible TMJ treatment options in your case.

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