TMJ: Diagnosis and Treatment

Pain in the jaws can be excruciating, and that can happen without you knowing the cause of the pain. Many suffer from facial pain, which means it might be TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder. The pain occurs in the complex joint of discs, muscles, ligaments, and bones moving back and forth. TMJ Specialists in Winter Park treat the problem depending on the symptoms:

• Tenderness or pain in the jaw joints
• Pain in the shoulders
• Swelling on the side of the face
• Headaches and toothaches
• Dizziness, etc.

Diagnosing the TMJ Disease

The TMJ specialists in Winter Park could diagnose the disease during your dentist appointments. Likewise, the doctor will first advise you to visit an ENT specialist to diagnose and treat TMJ. Furthermore, the doctor checks for jaw pains and listens to the clicking sound while moving the jaws. You can have specific tests such as X-rays or CAT scans done. MRI could also help rule out the issue by giving a complete picture of what is happening on the face.

Treatment for TMJ

1. At-home treatments

You can practice self-care to help treat the disorder. You can find relief in the following ways:

• Eating soft foods

You can have loads of soft, chewy foods. Avoid foods that require wide openings of mouths.

• Don't do extreme jaw movements.

The TMJ specialists in Winter Park suggest avoiding chewing gums, etc. You should also avoid things like yelling or singing that will require the wide opening of the mouth.

• Placing cold packs on the jaws

Place ice packs between your teeth if you are having problems while gulping the food down.

2. Medical treatment

Suppose the tenderness widens and is persistent; it's best to consult the doctor. Specialists could give the following treatments:

• Specialists could prescribe medications like pain relievers or even anti-inflammatory drugs if needed.
• A physical therapist could help in giving the stretches that the mouth requires. They help in providing massage techniques for stretching the jaws. They could also do ultrasounds to find out if the TMJ has become worse.
• Many use surgical methods to relieve the pain. The doctors may suggest other surgery procedures also. It includes a TMJ arthroscopy and modified condylotomy.

Anytime you face pain in the temple, jaws, chin, or any other facial area, you might be facing TMJ. TMJ Specialists in Winter Park suggest taking care of it at home first. Make an appointment with the doctor if the pain persists or worsens.