JOINT TREATMENTS
The jaw joint is a structure that plays an important role in daily activities and performs functions such as chewing, speaking and facial expressions. However, jaw joint disorders may occur for various reasons. These may include trauma, clenching and grinding of teeth, incompatibilities between teeth, rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, overuse of the jaw joint, and psychological factors such as stress and anxiety. Symptoms of jaw joint disorders may include:
- Pain or discomfort in the jaw joint or surrounding muscles
- Restricted movement in the jaw joint or surrounding muscles
- Feeling of stiffness or tension in the jaw joint or surrounding muscles
- Locking or jamming in jaw joint movements
- Clicking or crackling sounds in the jaw joint or surrounding muscles
Treatment Options
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or analgesics may be prescribed to relieve pain and inflammation.
- Mouthguards and Plates: Special mouthguards or plates can be used to reduce discomfort caused by bad habits such as clenching or grinding teeth at night.
- Behavioral Therapy: Behavioral therapy methods such as stress management techniques, relaxation exercises and counseling may be useful in jaw joint disorders caused by psychological factors such as stress and anxiety.
- Surgical Intervention: In rare cases, surgical intervention may be required in severe cases of jaw joint disorders or when other treatment options are ineffective. Surgical options may include arthroscopy, surgical disc replacement, and jaw joint surgery.