What to expect from TMJ treatment

==== ====Help from the Doc...walk with a smile check it outhttp://tinyurl.com/6rf4wlb==== ====TMJ disorders, otherwise known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, include the joint of the jawand the muscles that surround it. These disorders can often be very painful and may includesymptoms that mimic other conditions. These may include neck and shoulder pain and headachesand often make it difficult to yawn, eat, or swallow. It is not unusual for people to go to theirmedical doctor due to this pain and be tested for many different things such as tumors or herniateddiscs, only to find there is nothing wrong in those areas. This can become quite expensive afterthe use of MRIs or CT-Scans. When the patient is eventually diagnosed with a TMJ disorder, theyare usually relieved to finally find the source of their pain. They are also often apprehensive aboutwhat to expect during treatment.While each TMJ practitioner has their own unique treatment protocol that works for their patients,the vast majority of patients will have similar experiences during their treatment. I speak frompersonal experience because I have been treated for TMJ disorder myself. In most instances, thedentist will prescribe and fabricate one or two mouthpieces known as orthotics. The orthotics maybe attached to the teeth or they may be removable. They are generally worn 24 hours per day,one appliance during the day, and the other at night. Some dentists have their patients wear bothorthotics at the same time. In either case, the goal is to change the relationship of the lower jaw tothe skull, which decompresses the jaw joint and leads to healing.The first week is generally the most difficult. It may be difficult to speak at first, and sometimes youmay feel a bit worse in the beginning. But then the magic starts to happen. The headaches start tosubside, back and neck pain is reduced, life is great! If you have had pain in the jaws, be awarethis generally doesnt go away during the first month. After a few weeks, maybe a month, all of asudden the pain comes back. Maybe not as strong as before the treatment started, but definitelythere. This is due to the changes that are taking place in your head posture. As the irritation to theTM joints subsides, your head posture starts to change; this results in the bite shifting from theoriginal position and the orthotics not fitting as well.After an adjustment by your dentist or trained dental assistant, you will start to feel great again,only to relapse a few weeks or a month later. This roller coaster ride may be difficult, but it meansyour body is healing and your head position is improving. Depending on your situation and yourdentists protocol, you may be on the roller coaster for as few as 3 months or as long as a year.You may even need to visit a chiropractor, massage therapist, physical therapist, or osteopathicphysician. If you follow your dentists instructions, however, it will all be worth it.Once you feel better, your dentist will discuss with you what to do next. For some patients,continued use of one of the orthotics at night is all that is needed. For others, myself included, longterm use of both orthotics works best. Some patients opt for orthodontics to maintain the new, nicerelationship of their jaws. Finally, some patients have porcelain or gold crowns placed to preserve

their new jaw relationship.Dr. Rogers is the owner of Fairlington Dental, located in Arlington, VA. Fairlington Dental strivesfor excellence in dentistry and in customer service. We actively listen to our patients needs prior toplanning treatment, value their time, deliver highest quality dentistry in a comfortable environmentand provide excellent value that exceeds expectations. We invest in continuing education for ourentire team to ensure we can offer the best possible options for our patients.Dr Michael B. Rogershttp://www.FairlingtonDental.comEmail: drrogers@fairlingtondental.com(703) 671-1001Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_B_Rogers==== ====Help from the Doc...walk with a smile check it outhttp://tinyurl.com/6rf4wlb==== ====

What to expect from TMJ treatment

by Ed Ryan

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