What Is TMJ Arthritis?

TMJ arthritis is incredibly discomfiting for many patients, and it leads all too many to alter the way they live their life on a daily basis. Fortunately, however, there are treatment options available when the symptoms are noticed and diagnosis and treatment are sought after.

TMJ arthritis information

By gaining a better understanding as to what exactly TMJ arthritis is and what it looks like, you can make an informed decision on whether you should seek treatment. The following is a complete overview of TMJ arthritis, including information about the symptoms, treatment options and when to consider visiting the dentist.

An overview of TMJ arthritis

TMJ arthritis refers to an inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which is located in the jaw. The condition often leads to an increased level of pain and stiffness, making it difficult to move the mouth with a full range of motion and eat certain hard-to-chew foods. There are many different causes of TMJ arthritis, including teeth grinding, and it is important to determine the cause before treatment begins. 

Symptoms of TMJ arthritis

Each person might have different symptoms and severity when it comes to TMJ arthritis, but there are certain signs that are prevalent and indicate that TMJ arthritis is indeed the issue, including the following:

• Jaw soreness
• Jaw joint pain
• Difficulty chewing
• Locked jaw 
• Earache

The earlier that symptoms are noticed, the easier it often is to treat the condition, whereas the longer the symptoms last, the more of a concern the condition becomes. 

TMJ arthritis treatment options

The type of treatment that a dentist uses to treat a patient with TMJ arthritis depends largely on the symptoms and cause of the condition. In many instances, anti-inflammatory medication and lifestyle changes are enough to deal with the issue. In other instances, physical therapy and occlusal appliances are required to treat TMJ arthritis properly. TMJ surgery might be required for patients with more severe arthritis. 

When to visit the dentist for TMJ arthritis

Any time more than one symptom is present, it is advisable to visit the dentist to find out how to treat the issue. TMJ arthritis often gets worse over time when treatment is not provided, whereas early treatment can make the condition fairly easy to manage. TMJ treatment has come a long way over the years, and the options available are broader and more effective than ever before. 

Talk to a dentist today about TMJ treatment

The days of living with TMJ pain are over, and you can now find long-term relief by visiting the dentist for diagnosis and treatment. If you are interested in learning more about how we can treat TMJ effectively and efficiently, consult with us today and schedule a time to come in for your first visit. Here at our dentist office, we have a dedicated staff and all the resources necessary to properly diagnose and treat TMJ arthritis, along with various other jaw-related complications as well. 

Are you considering TMJ treatment in the Trophy Club area? Get more TMJ information at https://trophysmilestudio.com.

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