Temporomandibular Joint Case Study

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Temporomandibular joint is commonly called TMJ these joints are located on the side of your head. If someone has TMJ problems it is referred to temporomandibular disorder or TMD. James B. Coten who was an otolaryngologist discovered some jaw and ear disturbances decades ago. He believed it was related to the loss of mandibular posterior teeth and lower jaw over closure. “Now all the research on temporomandibular joint has been built on Coten’s original concept” (Acad, 1995). A Temporomandibular joint association was formed in 1986 and has been running for over 25 years now. “This organization is the first patient-led project to be conducted under the auspices of the Medical Device Epidemiology Network” (TMJA, 2009-2014). They are a national…show more content…
Sometimes it is very hard to know if you have this disorder because the signs and symptoms can be occurring for something else that is not TMD. Some of the most common symptoms are pain in the face, jaw or ear area, clicking or popping sound when opening and closing mouth, jaw locked, and unable to chew or open mouth. “Approximately 12% of the population or 35 million people in the United States are affected by TMD at any given time.” (The TMJ Association 2009-2014) The dentist would be able to diagnose this disorder by doing an exam on the patient and taking a panoramic x-ray. From there the dentist may refer the patient to a oral and maxillofacial surgeon for further evaluation and…show more content…
The pain goes away within a week or month with little to no treatment. Some people, however, develop significant long-term symptoms. Home treatments can be done to not a sever TMD person such as eating soft foods, applying ice packs, avoiding extreme jaw movements, learning techniques for relaxing and stress relieve. Experts recommend using the most conservative, reversible treatments possible. Conservative treatments do not invade the jaw or joint and most important doesn’t involve surgery. Reversible treatments do not cause permanent changes in the jaw or teeth. There is medication that can be prescribed as well if the person is in pain over the counter pain medication or anti-inflammatory medication. Doctor can also prescribe anti-depressant medication or muscle relaxants to help ease symptoms. Studies are more needed on the safety and effectiveness of most treatments and that is why experts recommend anything that is not permanent. If any one has jaw pain they should be going to a dental office to get a check up they just might have a
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