TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. It is also known by the acronym TMJ or TMD. This refers to chronic or acute swelling of the temporomandibular joint that joins the lower jaw to the skull. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder can cause patients to feel pain and soreness. Because the disorder encompasses several health-care disciplines like neurology, dentistry, physical therapy and psychology, TMJ Treatments can be administered in a number of different ways. If you are in need of medication,  Austin dentist Dr. Gregg Ueckert can help you out.

 

Causes of TMJ

Frequent neck-aches or headaches, with the pain getting worse when you clench your teeth
Habitual clenching or grinding of teeth
Difficulty in opening your mouth, eating or yawning
The jaw pops, clicks, catches, grates or locks when you open your mouth
Arthritis or other joint-related problems
Injury of the neck, head or jaws
Teeth meeting differently at different times
Teeth not touching their correct positions when you bite

 

Treatments for Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome

Dr. Ueckert is a dental professional who is highly experienced in temporomandibular joint problems and offers the most effective TMJ Treatments in Austin, TX. There are a number of different treatment options available to correct TMJ Disorder, the individual treatment that will best suit your case can be decided through a personal consultation.
Dr Ueckert aims to treat your condition in the most non-invasive way possible, utilizing non-surgical therapy as the best practice and resorting to surgery as a last case scenario. TMJ can be treated with medicines including Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs or NSAIDs to alleviate swelling and muscle pain. In addition, muscle relaxants like anti-anxiety drugs and anti-depressants can help to relax tight jaw muscles. The latter used for these treatments however will not work on conditions of depression.
One of the TMJ Treatments utilized by Austin dentist Dr Ueckert is the use of Splints. These splints are designed to fit over your teeth to prevent the upper and lower teeth from coming together, thereby making it impossible for a person to compress their teeth. This TMJ Treatments works by taking pressure off the TMJ muscles and jaw joints that help them rest and heal. The time (day or night) and duration that you wear this special splint depends on the extent of the corrective work that is required and is determined by your dentist.

 

Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome: Tips for Relief

One treatment entails the act of placing a fist under your chin while yawning and pressing up so as not to have the mouth opened quite as wide.
Sleeping on your back as opposed to on your stomach.
Keeping the teeth slightly apart for your jaw to open if your lips are closed.
TMJ treatments also include not resting your chin on your hand or holding the telephone between the shoulder and ears.

 

Other TMD and TMJ Treatments

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation TENS: This TMJ treatment uses low-intensity electrical currents to help relax facial muscles and the jaw joint.
Ultrasound: In ultrasound treatment, deep heat and is applied to the joint if it lacks mobility or is painful.
Trigger-point injections: For this TMJ therapy, the dentist injects anesthetic into facial muscles to reduce pain.

Additional Tips: Give your jaw a chance to rest by avoiding foods that are thick, large or chewy, like caramel, apples, and foods that are hard or crunchy like pretzels or carrots.