TMJ Disorder

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects jaw to the temporal bones of the skull. TMJ lets the jaw move up and down and side to side, and this two-way movement makes it a complex joint to operate. TMJ dysfunction can make it very difficult to perform everyday functions like biting, chewing and speaking or even opening the mouth fully called jaw lock.

Depending upon the conditions, your doctor may prescribe medications, treatments like Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), recommend intra oral appliances like night guard, splints and advise cognitive behavioral health approaches also. Though Dr. Nitin been operating on TMJ since 1987 still he feels it’s better to exhaust nonsurgical protocols before going in for surgery, yet some cases would definitely require surgery. Dr Nitin Jain  specializes in the following types of surgeries

Arthrocentesis – It’s often performed when the jaw suddenly locks in a closed position. Sterile fluids are injected through needles into the affected joint and then the joint is washed out.

Arthroscopy – An instrument with a tiny video camera is inserted into the jaw joint. Adhesions are removed or the joint’s disc reis positioned.

Arthrotomy or arthroplasty – This open-joint surgery is used to repair structural problems of the jaw joint.

Joint replacement – Performed for the treatment of severe TMJ disorders. Implants  are surgically placed in the jaw to replace either partially or complete TMJ.

” You are in safe and most capable hands “

 

–  Patient Speak

Visited some top clinics in Delhi, but it became worse and more complex. Dr Nitin was able to rectify the outcome of earlier botched up treatments.

 
 
  • Patient

Thanks for a great experience. Everything was very efficient and painless. There was a commitment to healthy & holistic treatment – a very good value for money.

 
 
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Before

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Before

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TMJ Disorders - More Info

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. There are three main classes of TMDs:

1.   Disorders of the TMJ, including disorders of disc.

2.   Disorders of the muscles (masticatory muscles) used for chewing

3.   Headaches / Migraine associated with a TMD.

Many TMDs last only for a short duration and disappear on their own. However, in some cases they require treatment.

 

Symptoms

Symptoms may include Jaw pain, Headaches, Earaches, pain in the neck or shoulders, difficulty opening your mouth wide, jaws that “lock” in the open- or closed-mouth position, clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing your mouth and difficulty in chewing.

 

Diagnosis

Normally TMJ is first diagnosed during physical dental checkup followed by radiographs (X-rays) to view the jaw joints and corresponding damaged area. It may include Panoramic X-rays, CBCT scans and MRI scans.

 

Treatments

If you’ve been diagnosed with TMJ dysfunction, your doctor may probably recommend easy treatment options first like following

Apply moist heat or cold packs, eat soft foods, take medications, wear a splint or night guard, undergo corrective dental treatments, avoid extreme jaw movements etc.

If above treatments are unsuccessful, your doctor may suggest one or more of the following:

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), ultrasound, trigger-point injections, radio wave therapy, Botulinum Toxin (Botox®) etc.

TMJ surgery should only be considered after all other treatment options have been tried and severe pain remains. There are different types of TMJ surgery: arthrocentesis, arthroscopy and open-joint surgery.

Management of TMD

For managing TMD some guidelines are given below 

1.   Achieving harmony in Musculoskeletal system
Bone and Muscle care through diet, exercise, proper oxygenation (Pranayam-Yoga),correcting,  apnea and breathing apparatus, toungue ties and other pathological frenum attachments, posture, especially neck and back,   natural elements sunlight, fresh air, clean water, pesticides free food, fresh air to replace stale air circulation in Air-conditioners etc.

2.   Achieving Occlusal harmony in teeth

By correction of premature contacts and redefining guided occlusion to control excessive condylar movements, bruxism etc.  Replacing lost teeth. Bony base modification, dental orthopedic and orthodontics etc.
 

3.   Controlling Systemic diseases

Like hypertension, diabetes, musculoskeletal, thyroid, electrolytes imbalances, micro-element deficiency, insomnia’s, mental health, stress, immunosuppression, allergies, etc.
 

4.Getting a proper diagnosis

Avoiding iatrogenic  treatments, especially advise from other sufferers who seem in similar situation but may be suffering from an altogether different problem. Discuss possible google/ Facebook solutions with your healthcare provider first.

 

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