Summary

The human body is an evolutionary marvel, and the temporomandibular joint is an excellent example. This little yet necessary joint acts as a hinge connecting the jaw to your skull, making it important for talking and chewing.  

However, something wrong with your temporomandibular joint can lead to a condition called temporomandibular disorder, commonly known as TMD. Numbers suggest that 33% of the population has at least one TMD symptom, and 3.6 to 7.0% of the population has TMD that requires TMJ treatment.  

Interestingly, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to TMJ treatment. Once you visit your dentist for TMJ treatment in NM, they will discuss several options to manage TMD and restore jaw comfort. 

This comprehensive guide dives deep into the world of TMD treatment with an insight into the following topics:

• Common Sources or Causes of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)
• Different TMJ Treatment Approaches
• Essential Factors To Consider While Choosing The Right Treatment Approach
• Tips To Find The Right Healthcare Professional For TMD Treatment

Continue reading as we learn more about these aspects in the following sections. 

Common Sources or Causes of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)

Before you head out to seek TMJ treatment from a dentist in Gallup, New Mexico, it is essential to narrow down to the root cause of the issue. Some of the most common of these culprits include:

1. Disc Displacement:

 The TMJ disc is a small cushion between your jawbone and skull. It can sometimes get misaligned, causing clicking or popping sounds and limited jaw movement. 

2. Muscle Tension:

Muscle tension is another culprit on the list. It stems from different lifestyles and general habits, such as clenching, teeth grinding, poor posture, and stress. This can lead to dysfunction or pain in the TMJ.     

3. External Trauma:

 Any physical injury to your jaw can also lead to complications related to TMD. 

4. Arthritis: 

Generative changes in your TMJ resulting from arthritis can lead to complications with the TMJ.  

Different TMJ Treatment Approaches 

While the consequences of TMJ disorder can vary based on different factors such as severity and cause, there are many treatment options available. Your dentist will first evaluate the condition of your TMJ Gallup and recommend the proper treatment approach accordingly.    

1. Self-Care Treatments For TMD

In cases where the TMD is not that severe, your dentist might recommend you stick to self-care treatment. These treatments are relatively easy to practice yet highly effective in offering relief. Some of the best-known treatment approaches include: 

• Softer Diet: 

Your dentist may recommend following a softer diet to minimize stress on the jaw joint during the healing process.

• Relaxation Tactics: 

You can practice a wide range of relaxation tactics, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation. These will help you better manage stress and reduce tension in the jaw. 

• Jaw Exercises: 

Your healthcare professional might prescribe certain jaw exercises to enhance jaw mobility and strengthen muscles. 

• Heat and Ice Therapy: 

To alleviate pain and inflammation, you can consider applying a warm compress or ice pack to the affected area.    

2. Conservative Treatments For TMD

If self-care treatments do not make any difference, the healthcare professional might recommend conservative treatments for TMD. These treatments include:  

• Physical Therapy: 

Physical therapists can employ manual techniques to improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, and address postural imbalances contributing to TMD/TMJ.

• Mouth Guards: 

You might consider getting custom mouthguards and wearing them at night while sleeping to prevent teeth grinding and clenching. This helps reduce muscle pain and tension.  

• Anti-Inflammatory Medications: 

Many over-the-counter pain relievers can help address the symptoms of TMJ. However, make sure you consult your healthcare professional before taking any of these medications. 

3. Advanced TMD Treatments 

In severe cases of TMD, your dentist might recommend advanced TMD treatments. You must consult a dentist to determine if you are the right candidate for these treatments. Some of the best-known of these advanced treatments include: 

• Botox Injections: 

Botox injections can temporarily relax overactive jaw muscles, helping to alleviate pain and muscle tension and get relief.

• Intraoral Injections: 

Interoral injections directly into the TMJ joint can provide localized pain relief in some cases 

• Arthrocentesis: 

This is a minimally invasive procedure in which the dentist drains fluid from the TMJ joint to reduce inflammation. 

• Surgery: 

Surgery is usually considered a last resort for severe cases of TMD/TMJ that have not responded to other treatments. 

Essential Factors To Consider While Choosing The Right TMD Treatment Approach 

While there are different TMD treatments, choosing the proper treatment approach requires some deliberation. That said, here are some of the most important factors to consider while choosing the right TMD treatment approach:

1. Underlying Causes: 

Determining the specific cause of your TMD is one of the most important factors you need to evaluate to find the right treatment approach. 

2. Cost and Lifestyle: 

Consider how the treatment will fit into your daily routine and discuss potential costs with your healthcare provider to make an informed decision.

3. Severity of Your Symptoms: 

The severity of your pain, jaw dysfunction, and other symptoms will influence the treatment approach for TMD. 

4. Your Preferences: 

It is important that you discuss your preferences with your healthcare professional. Some people prefer a more conservative approach, while others might be open to trying advanced interventions. Consider your preferences since they can impact the effectiveness of your treatment.       

Choosing The Right Healthcare Professional For TMD Treatment 

Thanks to modern dentistry, getting the proper treatment for TMD means collaborating with the right healthcare professional. Certain alternatives include: 

1. Dentist: 

Most people opt for a dentist for TMD treatment. Dentists can diagnose TMD/TMJ, recommend conservative treatments like mouth guards, and refer you to other specialists if needed.    

2. Physical Therapist: 

A physical therapist is another standard healthcare professional people choose for TMD treatment. They offer highly specialized manual therapy techniques to address muscle tension and improve jaw mobility for pain relief.    

3. Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon: 

This is a relatively rare choice for TMD treatments and is best suited for patients with severe issues. These specialists deal with complex jaw conditions and may perform surgery for severe TMD cases.

Takeaways

• Numbers show that 33% of the population has at least one TMD symptom, and 3.6 to 7.0% of the population has TMD that requires TMJ treatment.
• Muscle tension, arthritis, disc displacement, and trauma are some of the most common sources of TMD pain. 
• Different TMD treatment approaches include self-care techniques, conservative treatments, and advanced interventions based on one's cause and severity. 
• Some of the factors to consider when choosing a treatment plan are the severity of the symptom, your preferences, underlying causes, lifestyle, and causes.         
• Planning to get rid of the tiring TMJ problem? Connect with our experts at Sundance of Gallup to learn more today!