TMJ Case Study: July 2022
DJ is a 35-year-old female patient suffering from chronic bilateral TMJ pain, clicking, headaches, ear pain and limited opening, which, when she opens, deviates to her right. Here's how we helped her.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. It’s not easy to say, and it is even harder to understand. One thing is for sure, it is very real and treatable.
What exactly is this?
This disorder begins with a hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. This joint allows you to move your mouth up and down and sided to side. When you have problems with these joints they can cause pain and in some cases extreme pain.
When a person experiences consistent pain in their jaw, it may be classified as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, more commonly commonly referred to as TMD or TMJ. It is difficult to determine the exact cause of the TMJ pain. People who have experienced it tend to clinch or grind their teeth, also know as bruxism. Some dentist believe that the disorder my arise from problems with the muscles of your jaw or parts of the joint itself.
Do I Have it? What Are The Symptoms?
When Should I See A Sleep Dentist/Doctor?
These are only a few symptoms associated with TMJ
You should see a doctor or sleep dentist if you have persistent pain, or if you cannot open or close your mouth completely.
Treatment
There are many treatments for TMJ. There are home remedies, oral appliances and even surgery. You should always consult your doctor before moving forward with any treatment plans. There are minimally invasive ways to help with TMJ. Custom oral appliances are one of the many ways that patients have found relief from TMJ. Consult with your Sleep Dentist or Doctor to explore all your options.
