Encino Dentist, one among the most proficient and renowned dental clinics in the heart of Encino, California, has significantly strived to offer dental treatment to patients suffering from TMJ disorders. Research shows that millions of Americans suffer from this disorder without their knowledge. Unless you act fast, it may lead to you suffering from painful jaw muscle conditions, among others.

TMJ association alongside the Academy of General Dentistry asserts that the disorder is more likely to occur during stressful periods, whether it's a positive or negative mood. That explains why the condition is common in women during their childbearing period. Therefore, you can rely on us for high-quality dental treatment and, most importantly, to give you that perfect smile at all times.

 

What Is TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorder, well known to medical practitioners as a temporomandibular joint disorder, is a localized ache disorder redefined by dysfunction or soreness due to the sliding hinges that connect the jaw bone to the skull with a glitch.

Apparently, the condition tends to affect the temporomandibular nerves, jaw muscles as well as joints. This causes a lot of stress and pain in either one side or both sides of the skull. A patient with TMJ disorder is more likely to feel pain around the face, neck, jaws, and overall head. Remember, the temporomandibular joint controls the movement of the jaw, thus allowing you to talk, yawn, and even chew. Therefore, it will be a problem to savor your delicacy as a result of the soreness.

The temporomandibular joint is rendered to be among the most sensitive and complicated joints in the human body due to its location right at the skull's base, in front of the ear's tragus. It merges the upper and lower sections of the jaw, which constitutes three broad components that sit between them. These are the socket, the ball, and the fibrous disc.

 

Causes of TMJ Disorders

The precise cause of this disorder has caused tantrums in the medical faculty, not knowing the exact cause. In most of the cases studied, it was revealed that a number of factors have primarily contributed to the condition.

These include; harm caused to the jaw, hormonal reactions, excessive chewing of gum, genetics, movement of the disk into an improper alignment of the upper and lower teeth, trauma to the neck, and arthritis, to mention a few. Other times, the act of grinding and gritting of teeth may significantly contribute to TMJ disorder. Any TMJ disorder patient will attest to the condition being a really painful experience.

 

What Shows That You Have TMJ Disorders?

Even though the dentist can determine that you suffer from TMJ disorder due to the visible signs and symptoms, the root cause may not be as easy as it seems. The condition is classified with a broad scope of symptoms, most of which involve aches and stiffness of joints. The wide range of symptoms often differs from various patients. One may depict stiffness signs, while others may depict pain symptoms without stiffness. Thus, it makes it confusing for a person new in the dental field to spot these symptoms. Therefore, you may visit us at our Encino Dentist clinic today for prompt assistance and check-up.

In most instances, you are likely to experience the severity of pain, malfunction, and/or discomfort in the jaw area, the face, and the skull. Below is a list of the common symptoms of TMJ disorder:

  • You are likely to feel soreness in the jaws
  • Experiencing severe pains in one or both sides of the TMJ (Temporomandibular joints)
  • The jaws may feel some sort of tender with pain
  • A condition of malocclusion in which the upper and lower teeth are not correctly aligned
  • The area around the ear and inside may feel achy
  • One is likely to experience pain while trying to talk, yawn, or chew food
  • You may feel kind of stiffness along the joints and jaw muscles, making it difficult for the patient to close or open their mouth
  • There may be some signs of the jaws popping and clicking
  • Experiencing frequent headaches as a result of the pain
  • You may feel some pain in the temple area
  • Your face may swell either on one side or both
  • Your teeth may become too sensitive in the absence of dental problems

 

What Are The Risk Factors Involved In TMJ Disorders?

Temporomandibular joint disorder is a severe issue that requires prompt action. Therefore, you need to be keen and alert of keeping yourself safe. Since its cause is not accurately known, several aspects or activities may, in some way, catalyze the risks of developing TMJ disorder.

Too Much Stress

Research has it that having anxiety may also increase the chances of getting TMJ disorder. Let's take the example of a student. Right before sitting for an exam, the revision process is crucial as one tries to familiarize the contents covered throughout the semester. In the process, the scholar may begin to tense, causing grinding of the teeth, known as bruxism. This action is more likely to cause jaw alignment distress as well as wearing down the teeth, resulting in the condition.

Another habit is clenching of the teeth due to stress or worrying too much. If it's a habit, then the act of clenching could significantly cause trouble on your temporomandibular joint on a long term basis. The clenching and grinding causes increased pressure and tension in the muscles.

Chronic Arthritis

A patient who has unremitting inflammatory arthritis, like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, may experience pain and soreness in the bones. As a result, it may cause grinding and clenching of the teeth, which makes it stressful. In the long run, the patient stands a high risk of suffering from TMJ disorder.

Trauma to the Jaws

If you happen to get an injury like a hard punch to your face, the impact may cause tension to your jaw muscles and teeth. This is also known as trauma to the jaws. The effect is more likely to interfere with the positioning of the teeth, thus resulting in an increased risk of suffering from TMJ disorder.

Supersizing While Eating

Eating is among the most engaging activities that almost every person enjoys. However, some people take it a notch higher by supersizing. Opening your mouth too wide while eating large portions of food may manifest to jaw and muscle pain. However simple it may seem, it may intensify the already existing condition, thus increasing the chances of getting TMJ disorder.

Displaying Poor Posture

One's habit may, in a way, influence the development of the disorder. For example, if you're used to slouching, the chances are that your back might be in a lot of trouble in the future. In the case of TMJ disorders, a patient may have caused the condition by pushing the jaws out of alignment. Sometimes, you might be doing such things unknowingly; however, they may portray severe conditions. Now you don't want this to happen to you, given the sensitivity of the spine. The poor posture stresses the spinal cord in a position that forces the jaws out of alignment. This explains the misalignment of the upper and lower jaw.

Such a patient, in most instances, may have his/her skull in some back position due to the alteration in the spinal column. Thus, if you or a loved one inhibits such symptoms, it is vital to seek out for a professional dentistry help. Any delay may intensify the pain and soreness in the jaw muscles and joints while trying to open and close your mouth.

 

What Is The Diagnosis For TMJ Disorders?

A diagnosis for any disorder, like TMJ, is crucial before seeking treatment. Although there is no standard test to detect the conditions of a TMJ disorder, several actions, including several tests, have been put in place to help eliminate the other possible conditions that may cause the symptoms. The aim of these tests is to ensure that the diagnosis for the disease is accurately known. If an individual is experiencing facial pain, the dentist or medical practitioner will be able to determine whether it is a TMJ disorder or a multiple-test sinus infection.

The diagnosis will include oral checking, assessment of the muscles and joints, checking for any popping or clicking, and the movement of your joints. Therefore, be ready to experience X-rays, T-scans, just to mention a few tests during the diagnostic stage. Aside from the tests, your medical history will also be assessed. This will help your oral health examiner to understand the root cause of the disorder. In a case where it is hereditary, he or she will know how to go about the condition and offer you the best treatment.

 

What is the Treatment for TMJ Disorders?

Treatment for TMJ Disorder may vary based on the types of symptoms and causes. One may opt for home remedies if it is manageable or medical treatment. Note that most of these types of treatment may not cure the disorder; however, they will offer temporary relief from the achy symptoms.

Some of the home remedies include:

  • Adopting some relaxation techniques. This helps one to have peace of mind as well as aid in stress diminution and management
  • Eating soft foods and avoiding large sums of food that require supersizing of the jaws
  • Avoid chewing gum completely until the condition is relieved from the pain
  • You can gently massage the joints, neck, and jaw muscles. However, be cautious with the stretch not to cause more damage. A physician's advice may be recommended
  • Using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen and pain relievers like aspirin will significantly help with the soreness experienced

If these fail to work, you need to seek medical attention. Some of the medical remedies include:

  • Seeking the services of a physical therapist to offer jaw exercises that aid in improving the flexibility of the joints, strengthen the muscles as well as enhance the range of motion
  • Adopting the trigger point acupuncture
  • A doctor's recommendation for medicinal marijuana
  • Surgery may also come in hand, whereby the conditions are severe
  • The dentist may provide dental splints that will aid with the alignment of your teeth and prevents grinding

 

Find a Encino Dentist Near Me

TMJ Disorder is prevalent in our society, and thus, needs to be acted upon without delay. Therefore, if you are battling or you know someone who is experiencing such conditions in Encino, CA, call the Encino Dentist at 818-650-0429 to talk to a specialist. We're focused on assisting our patients in attaining stunning, efficient, and comfy smiles they can be proud of at all times.