Bensalem Family Dentistry Advises Patients to Learn About TMJ Disorders

BENSALEM, Pa. - Nov. 16, 2016 - PRLog -- Bensalem Dentistry - Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
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Bensalem Family Dentistry Advises Patients to Learn About TMJ Disorders

Neck and jaw pain are among the least understood pathologies in dentistry, and therefore, are among the most aggravating for patients and dentists alike. Temporomandibular disorders are any of a number of problems related to the temporomandibular joint, which is the hinge connecting the lower jaw to the skull. Due to the joint's complexity, it is difficult even after a thorough examination to understand what exactly is causing a particular patient's discomfort. However, there are several generic treatments dentists can recommend, and at Bensalem Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Michael Eisenbrock can advise patients on which interventions they might need in severe cases.

Some of the problems grouped under TMD or TMJ disorders are pain or stiffness in the face, jaw, and neck, difficulty sliding the jaw or opening the mouth, and teeth grinding (called bruxism). TMJ disorders seem to be most common in young women, but they can be compounded by rheumatoid arthritis. Dentists must check to eliminate all other possible causes before attempting to treat TMJ disorders, and prefer to make the most conservative adjustments possible due to the high risk of misdiagnosis.

The good news is that most TMJ disorders are temporary and don't get worse than causing the patient annoyance. Dentists can advise a patient on which stretching exercises to try, prescribe pain and anxiety medications and muscle relaxants, and warn a patient against actions which are likely to put greater strain on the joint. To treat the symptoms of bruxism, some dentists will recommend a night brace, which will prevent patients from damaging their teeth. However, because moving the jaw during sleep can keep airways open, it is important to determine that bruxism is not due to a different disorder, such as swollen throat tissue.

If a specialist such as Dr. Eisenbrock determines that the problem truly is the TMJ itself and that it is severe, there are a number of surgeries that can be performed to eliminate damaged tissue. Prior to that, dentists may try other pain management techniques available in their offices, such as botox injections or application of heat and electricity. Notably, TMJ treatments are mainly focused on symptoms due to the difficulty of determining their causes, but a visit to Bensalem Dentistry can still provide patients with options that will make their lives easier.

Dr. Michael Eisenbrock operates Bensalem Family & Cosmetic Dentistry at 3554 Hulmeville Road, Suite 111, Bensalem, Pennsylvania, 19020. To set up an appointment, call 215-638-9952 or visit BensalemDentistry.com (http://www.bensalemdentistry.com/) and fill out a contact sheet (http://www.bensalemfamilydentistry.com/contact/).