TMJ Dysfunction Treatment in Dubai
If you are experiencing chronic pain in your jawbones, have difficulty chewing food or even closing your mouth, and have constant headaches, there is a chance that TMJ disorder is hiding in the corner. The temporomandibular joints are used numerous times in a day as you speak, yawn, or chew food. Therefore, the agony or severe discomfort around these joints not only restricts your movements but can be very unpleasant.
At MedDental Clinic, we house the expertise who can diagnose if you are suffering from Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction and offer you effective and lasting solutions to ease your pain.
What is TMJ?
TMJ itself is not a condition or disease, it is a joint known as Temporomandibular Joint, which is a very complicated as well as delicate joint, as it links the jawbone to the skull. The main function of TMJ is to enable the mouth to chew, speak or talk and yawn without any difficulty. This joint needs some fluid to facilitate the hinging movement of both the jaws so that they can function as a well-lubricated machine. There are two of these joints on either side of the jaw and they are made up of muscles, bones, and nerves.
Any problem in TMJ can lead to chronic discomfort and this pain not only affects the jawbone but also other facial features like ears, cheeks, head, and neck. It also indicates that any wear and tear to the TMJ can cause migraines, earaches, and also pain in the neck and shoulders. TMJ Disorder results in abnormal functioning of the jaw and creates an annoying feeling in the facial features and the neck.
Causes of TMJ Disorder
Numerous factors contribute to TMJ Disorder. However, among the common causes include damage to the nerves, blockage of the muscles or dentitions, and injury to the ligaments, soft bone, dislocated jaw disks, traumatic accidents, and arthritis.
Sometimes current dental procedures or muscles which have become inflamed or stiff can also cause TMJ. It means that deviated mouth opening, bad bites, malocclusion, impacted third molars, or overuse of jaw muscles can also lead to TMJ.
Certain habits like bruxism or teeth grinding during sleep also contribute to TMJ Disorder. Increased stress and irregularity in the frame of the dentitions are also the triggers for the disease.
Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of TMJ disorder can be amplified due to anxiety and stress. However, the common signs that indicate the onset of the disease include:
- Problems in chewing and biting
- Throbbing headache or migraine
- Tenderness in the cheeks and jaw
- Discomfort in and on every side of the ear
- Pain or swelling in the face near joints
- Stiff jawbone
- Snapping sound when the mouth is opened
- Locked jaw
Treatment
In some cases, the pain associated with a TMJ disorder is likely to reduce over time. Nevertheless, in most cases, medications are required. Oral splints, painkillers, and anti-inflammatory drugs are the primary means of treating TMJ disorder to stabilize jaw movements. Mouthguards are also recommended to the patients as a non-invasive way of treatment.
But when TMJ disorder is less intense, our dentists treat with suggesting changes in various daily routine practices like using an ice pack or heat pack for pain-relieving and not moving the jaw extremely.
At MedDental Clinic, we also educate our patients to avoid doing some daily routine things that can increase the pain accompanied by TMJ like:
- Foods that are hard to chew or those which are sticky
- Opening the mouth widely
- Nail or lip biting habits or other biting behaviors like pencils, pens, etc.
- Holding the phone between an ear and shoulder
- Resting the head on the palms or bending it on a computer while working
In severe cases, when the patient goes through persistent pain, replacement surgery for the jaw joint becomes necessary.
As it is quite clear that TMJ disorder is a very complicated disease, so it is very essential for the patient, not to hold back and bear the torture, but to visit the MedDental Clinic. Get an appointment scheduled with our TMJ disorder experts Dr. Philippe Chanavaz and Pr. Pierre Bouletreau.
FAQ`s
Is TMJ and TMD the same?
No, TMJ is the name of a joint, Temporomandibular Joint while TMD is the disorder that is Temporomandibular Disorder.
How is TMJ diagnosed?
The actual and accurate diagnosis of TMJ is only performed by an expert professional who will physically assess your teeth for tenderness, swelling, or unbalanced jaws. Moreover, the dental expert will also perform some diagnostic tests like x-rays, MRI, and CT scans.
How can I reduce the symptoms of TMJ pain at home?
Eating softer foods, applying hot or cold packs, and doing some exercises prescribed for this disease will help you relieve the pain and symptoms. Moreover, you should use prescribed medications by the dentist.
How would I know that I might be suffering from TMD?
If you have severe dental discomfort along with recurring pain in and around the ears, neck, or other facial features, this can be indicative of TMD. In such a case, contact MedDental Clinic for diagnosis by our highly experienced and skilled TMJ Experts to get it treated early.
How can I prevent this disease?
You can prevent this disease by relaxing your jaw, releasing jaw tension, reducing your mental stress, and visiting your dentist at regular intervals for the early detection of any disease.