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Posted on December 31, 2008 by Matthew Candelaria | Posted under Dental Care
TMJ: A No-Spin Appraisal
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Is TMJ and its associated treatment a lot of hucksterism? Are these doctors quacks? What is the real deal with TMJ? Is TMJ Real? TMJ is a real condition. It is caused by some form of displacement in the temporomandibular joint, which is the joint on either side of the jaw, where the jaw meets the skull. According to the American Society of Temporomandibular Joint Surgeons (ASTMJS), TMJ has not been found in infants, but increases steadily with age. About 8 % of juveniles have displacement of the cartilaginous disc that cushions the joint, which increases to about 30 % of adults. People who have the symptoms of TMJ (see below) have disc displacement 80-90 % of the time. TMJ is sometimes considered a form of osteoarthritis. What Causes TMJ? Because infants don't have TMJ, it is assumed that it is an acquired condition. Much of what is assumed about TMJ comes from studies of other joints. Because osteoarthritis in other joints is often the result of strain, overloading, or repetitive motion injury, it is assumed that this is a likely cause of TMJ. TMJ may also be caused by trauma to the joint. What are the Symptoms of TMJ? The main symptom of true TMJ is pain in the jaw. It may also include facial pain, clicking in the jaw, and even an inability to chew properly. Other symptoms sometimes listed as being related to TMJ, such as tooth grinding (bruxism), tinnitus, and numb or tingling extremities, have not been causally linked with TMJ. Sleep apnea, often treated by neuromuscular dentists, may be related to the relaxed jaw position, but does not seem to be correlated with TMJ. Should I Go to a Doctor or Dentist for Treating my TMJ? Ideally, both doctors and dentists should be able to treat TMJ or refer you to a specialist for treatment if necessary. Because TMJ is, like other forms of osteoarthritis, degenerative, it is best to seek treatment once you become symptomatic. Diagnosis and treatment should follow a logical sequence. Doctors are likely to want x-rays and MRIs of the area, and may even recommend a CT if you require surgery. The goals of treatment should be 1) the reduction of pain, 2) functional improvement, and 3) slowing degenerative effects. The progress of treatment should include: - Diet modification to reduce strain - Behavioral modification can reduce aggravating factors like stress, clenching, and excessive gum chewing - Drug therapy including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen to reduce swelling and pain, which can help the condition to autocorrect. Local anesthetic injections or even BOTOX may be used as well. - Physical therapy can help relieve pain and improve function - Oral appliances can be used to reduce strain on the joint - Surgical treatment may be used as a last resort in extreme cases In general, permanent bite modification with dental restorations like dental crowns is not a recommended treatment vector. If your doctor or dentist recommends jumping to a radical treatment without trying earlier treatments in the progression, seek a second opinion, and definitely talk to multiple dentists before undergoing any form of restoration. About The Author: If you would like to get in touch with dentists in the Los Angeles area for a second opinion, visit the website Cosmetic Dentistry in Los Angeles. |
Tags: DENTISTRY LOS ANGELES, DENTISTRY ORANGE COUNTY, DENTISTRY SANTA MONICA, DENTURES BEVERLY HILLS, DENTURES CALIFORNIA, DENTURES HOLLYWOOD
