TMD Therapy
What is TMD Therapy?
TMD stands for Temporomandibular Disorders. TMD (and TMJ) occurs when there is a problem with your jaw causing discomfort and affecting your quality of life. TMD can impact the movement of your jaw, making it painful or frustrating to adjust it a certain way.
TMD and TMJ are often confused with one another. But, TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint. TMD refers to all of the disorders that could affect that joint.
In some cases, the condition will go away on its own and you’ll be able to enjoy full jaw movement again. For others, though, that isn’t the case. Thankfully, TMD therapy can help.
Treating TMD
There are multiple forms of TMD therapy to consider, and you should go over the possibilities with your dentist to determine which option is right for you. Treatment can be based on several factors, including your age, your overall health, and how long your dentist expects your condition to last.
Some of the most popular treatment solutions include:
- Resting the jaw muscle as much as possible
- Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescriptions
- Physical therapy
- Wearing a mouth guard to reduce tooth grinding
- Stress management
In more extreme cases, surgery may be needed to correct the impact of the TMD. Again, because all of these treatment solutions are different, TMD therapy is a unique experience for everyone.
When Should You Consider TMD Therapy?
Obviously, in order to go through any kind of TMD therapy, you have to make sure you actually have the condition. Talking with a dentist is the best way to receive an official diagnosis. But, there are a few telltale signs you can be on the lookout for when it comes to the effects of TMD. Some of the more common symptoms include:
- Jaw soreness
- Difficulty moving your jaw or “locking” of the jaw
- Earaches
- Headaches
- Pain in your neck, shoulders, and/or behind the eyes
- Dizziness
You might also need TMD therapy if you experience things like tooth sensitivity. This is a lesser-known symptom since most people think of sensitive teeth as a problem all on its own. Or, you might think you’re dealing with decay. That’s why it’s so important to get a proper diagnosis.
If you do any research on TMD or TMJ, you’ll see that in most cases, it clears up on its own, especially when you know how to properly take care of your jaw. But, if you aren’t caring for your teeth and jaw in the right way, you could be making things worse. Additionally, some cases may not go away on their own.
Whether you’re dealing with a severe case of TMD or not, treatment can help to alleviate any pain you’re dealing with, so you can get better faster rather than having to “wait it out.”
If you’re in the Coolidge, Arizona area and you’re wondering if you might be dealing with TMD, feel free to contact Rivers Edge Dental. A member of our team would be happy to set up an appointment for you, so you can get the diagnosis and treatment you deserve.