The temporomandibular joint is a hinge joint that connects the skull to the jaw. Any disorder in this joint might lead to disturbance in your daily habits.
Causes of TMJ disorders
Several physical, hormonal, and anatomical alterations can lead to temporomandibular joint diseases. This joint is characterised by a tiny disk that absorbs shocks and is made up of numerous small bones that work together and are coated in cartilaginous tissue. These are the primary causes of these conditions.
- Shock or trauma caused by an accident might lead to temporomandibular joint disorders, which, if not treated immediately, might lead to further complications.
- Arthritis, a degenerative bone joint disease that can be inherited or age-related, can unintentionally cause pain and rupture in the TMJ.
- Myofascial Pain: Jaw muscle soreness that causes swelling and irritation.
- Internal Disarrangement: It is the joint disc’s displacement. The issue may make it difficult to open the mouth.
- TMJ disorders can result from psychological disorders, including stress and worry.
- In addition to causing bite problems, misaligned upper and lower jaws can also contribute to digestive and TMJ problems.
- Individuals with a history of fibromyalgia or ankylosing spondylitis are more likely to develop these conditions.
- Such problems may also result from improper positioning. The jaw becomes strained and malfunctions as a result of the head, neck, and jaw being out of alignment.
- Sleep disturbances may raise the risk of bruxism and, thus, additional inconsistencies.
- The muscles and joints are further strained by bruxism, which is the habit of chewing, clenching, and grinding, particularly while you’re sleeping.
TMJ Treatment procedures in Kolkata
Treatment procedures available in the current times are discussed below in detail. These procedures must be done in a clinic that has premium services and experienced doctors. Here at our dental clinic in Kolkata, we try to provide the best services for our patients so that they can revert to their normal lifestyle as soon as possible.
- Small doses of antidepressants: Although they may be prescribed to people with TMJ issues, they are typically prescribed to patients with depression. These medications have been shown to treat sleep issues, which may help treat TMJ disorders as well.
- Relaxing meds: Since ligaments and muscles connect the temporomandibular joints, conditions or strains in these areas can occasionally cause pain and discomfort as well. In order to lessen the strain and stress on these connective tissues, patients are prescribed muscle relaxants.
- Pain relievers: You may use common, over-the-counter pain relievers that are accessible at the pharmacy. One may have to choose harsher treatments and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) if they are not shown to be effective. These medications are usually prescribed for a short period of time.
- Physiotherapy: Sometimes physiotherapy is recommended for patients whose medications aren’t working as well. In order to address the structural abnormalities of the joints, electrical nerve impulses and ultrasonography are used.
- Oral hygiene at the basic level: The likelihood of developing the illnesses may be reduced by altering behaviors, including nail biting, clenching, grinding, and clenching. Applying ice or heat based on a person’s level of pain may also work well.
- Chronic clenching and biting may also result from hormonal shifts and stressful situations, as previously mentioned. Therapy or counseling may be able to ease these circumstances. If not eliminated, the hormonal changes may be managed with medications.
- Orthodontic tmj treatment: By correctly aligning your teeth, you can reduce jaw stress and fix biting issues.
- Surgical procedures may also need to be implemented if nothing else works. It may be recommended to undergo minimally invasive procedures such as condylotomy, TMJ arthroscopy, and arthrocentesis. Some issues might also be resolved by injections and not require surgery. In some complicated cases, open joint surgery might also be required.
- Wearing a night guard: The main cause of symptoms of TMJ problems is teeth grinding, which is avoided with this personalized splint therapy.