Is TMJ Therapy Right For You?
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 10 million Americans are affected by Temporomandibular Joint Disease (TMJ). TMJ consists of a group of conditions that cause pain and/or dysfunction of the jaw. In and around the area of Columbus, quite often we diagnose and successfully treat people suffering from TMJ using our trademark TMJ therapy.
Symptoms of TMJ
The most obvious symptoms of TMJ are:
- pain
- jaw stiffness
- limited movement
- clicking or popping
- misalignment of the teeth
- frequent headaches
Sometimes, a person suffers from more than just one of these conditions.
Other known facts about TMJ are:
- more women than men suffer from TMJ, with women accounting for 90 percent of all TMJ cases, which is why research continues to be performed to see if there is a connection between TMJ and female hormones.
- the cause of TMJ is often unknown.
- the most common age range for TMJ diagnosis is between 30 and 50-years-of-age.
When is it Time for Me to Take Action
If you suffer from any of these issues and are experiencing jaw limitations and pain, now is the time to call our office, before your situation progresses any further:
Injury – a car accident, bicycle accident or any other type of accident that causes the jaw to dislocate, move the disc or cause the muscles around the joint to weaken.
Stress – particularly stress that causes a person to tense up or clench their teeth.
Disease – in addition to arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and/or sleep disorders.
PSC Dental’s Process For TMJ Therapy
If you feel you might have TMJ, PSC Dental can help. Our office is equipped with the latest in TMJ therapy, including:
- identifying your symptoms
- obtaining a complete history
- examining the problem area(s)
Because the cause of TMJ is not fully known, measures to treat this uncomfortable disorder are usually conservative in nature and avoid any surgical type procedures or any type of treatment that is irreversible.
After the initial examination, some suggestions to relieve the pain are:
- applying an ice pack
- resting your jaw by avoiding yawning, chewing gum or anything else that causes increased jaw movement.
- avoiding chewing gum and sticky or gummy candy
- eating soft foods
- indulging in calm and soothing exercises and stretches
- practicing gentle jaw stretching and relaxation exercises that may help increase jaw movement.
For more information on the success of our TMJ therapy in Columbus, contact PSC Dental today at 662-434-4298.