TMJ PAIN RELIEF—DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OPTIONS

The temporomandibular joint is responsible for closing and opening the mouth, allowing up and down movement and side to side motion. Are you experiencing any pain in your jaws, difficulty opening your mouth, or feel like your jaw has locked into place? You are probably suffering from TMJ.

Its symptoms range from headaches, neck pain, earaches and other factors that signify many health problems.

How Is TMJ Diagnosed?

Since there are no specific tests or bloodwork to diagnose this disorder, your doctor relies on you to provide much information regarding TMJ diagnosis symptoms. The physician will want you to explain your experience exhaustively.

What Questions Should You Expect from the Doctor?

Before visiting the doctor for diagnosis, you need to have the answers to the following questions:

• What TMJ symptoms are you experiencing?
• Is this the first time you have experienced these symptoms, or have you had them in the past?
• Does anything in particular trigger your TMJ?
• Are you on any medications, prescriptions, or over-the-counter to treat your TMJ?
• What homoeopathic remedies, if any, are you using to manage your TMJ symptoms?
• How long have you had these symptoms?

After answering these questions, the dentist will decide on the next step. They may suggest an x-ray to examine the internal review of the mouth and face to see what’s happening with the bones and muscles. If there is a concern about another ailment, then your therapist may request an MRI to eliminate the possibility of other conditions.

Who Suffers from TMJ?

Most women are more likely to be diagnosed with TMJ than men. Women have estrogen receptors in their jaw. When the jaw is misaligned, it could interfere with pain signals and the hormonal regulation process, thus making women feel the painful symptoms of TMJ more than men. TMJ can either affect you on one side or both sides of the jaw. The condition involves the bones, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels associated with the temporomandibular joint.

TMJ Treatment Options

Treating TMJ can include a variety of general and pharmaceutical methods. You can massage your jaw to help ease minor discomfort. If the case is severe, manual manipulation of the jaw is needed to lock the person’s jaw into place. If you experience chronic pain, it is good to utilize prescription medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, muscles relaxers and even steroid injections.

If the problem is not so problematic, counter medication or home remedies can still do a good job. Although these remedies can be suitable to treat mild TMJ symptoms, it is better to visit your doctor for better TMJ prescriptions. Consult your dentist for professional advice about what treatments are right for you. Your dentist may recommend a surgical procedure to treat some severe cases of TMJ.

Bottom Line

At Cochran Family Dental, we create an effective, individualized treatment plan using a variety of treatment modalities, including pain management with over-the-counter and prescription medication as needed. For more information contact through 703-771-9034. If you live in Leesburg, Ashburn, Purcellville and surrounding communities then your dental needs are taken care of.

Schedule an Appointment to Learn About TMJ Pain Relief

At Cochran Family Dental, we create an effective, individualized treatment plan using a variety of treatment modalities, including pain management with over-the-counter and prescription medication as needed. We serve the cities of Leesburg, Ashburn, and Purcellville with modern and comprehensive dental care services. To learn more about the TMJ treatment options we offer, call us today to schedule an appointment at 703-771-9034, or email us using the contact form on this page.