Pain in your face and jaw can be extremely painful, and it’s even worse when you don’t know what’s driving it. For numerous people, facial pain is connected to the temporomandibular joint. It’s the hinge-like joint that attaches your upper and lower jawbones. Anytime this joint isn’t functioning appropriately, it could mean you’re holding signs of temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJ.
TMJ Treatment Options
TMJ has multiple treatment choices. Your foremost line of maintenance can begin at home. But after you’ve finished at-home treatment alternatives for your jaw, you may require to see your dentist for additional care.
At-Home TMJ Treatment
As you learn and exercise self-care for your temporomandibular jaw disorder, you may discover comfort and recovery. You can do the following at home:
- Eat soft foods. Load up on non-chewy foods and ignore foods that need comprehensive bites like thick sandwiches.
- An over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pill- ibuprofen.
- Practice good poses- avoid resting your chin on your hand.
- Avoid extreme or unnecessary jaw movements. Put your hand under your chin when you yawn, and avoid singing or yelling that require you to open your jaw too wide.
- Place your jaw with your teeth & a little apart. Place your tongue between your teeth if you have teeth-grinding problems.
- Usi g damp-heat or ice packs on the jaw and the side of your face & do this many times a day.
- Learn to rest. Take physical therapy help & a few stress management techniques to help you relax and loosen your jaw.
- Massage your neck & jaw. Where suitable, ask your dentist or therapist about at-home mild stretches & massage.
Medical Treatment
Visit your dentist in Tulsa, OK, if the discomfort in your jaw is continuous, or if you can’t open your mouth. Your dentist may suggest the following types of treatment:
- Medications- Pain relievers, muscle relaxers, or anti-inflammatory pills.
- Mouthguards- These oral appliances are usually soft or hard and usually slip over your teeth to keep your jaw in position.
- Physical therapy- Give you stretches and massage methods to help support and stretch your jaw. Your dentists in Tulsa, OK, will also perform ultrasounds and evaluate the behaviors that may be making your TMJ worse.
- Surgical Options. If other TMJ treatments can’t ease your pain, your dentist in Tulsa, OK, may recommend TMJ surgery. Some of this may include open TMJ surgery, injections at the joint, or modified condylotomy. These processes vary from non-invasive to conventional TMJ treatment surgery.
Anytime you have pain in your face, ear, or jaw, you might be suffering from TMJ. As you comprehend your signs, take care of yourself at home, and take the advice of your doctor, so that you can find relief.
TMJ Treatment In Tulsa, OK
At Utica Dental, we have professional dentists experienced in TMJ treatment in Tulsa, OK, & can guide you to get relief from discomforting pain. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our dental office in Tulsa, OK, to learn more about TMJ treatment and what you can do to reduce your signs.