ATM

ATM (temporomandibular joint) disorders are a family of problems related to your jaw joint. If you have had symptoms like pain or a “clicking” sound, you’ll be glad to know that these problems are more easily diagnosed and treated than they were in the past. These symptoms occur when the joints of the jaw and the chewing muscles do not work together correctly. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the name for each joint (right and left) that connects your jaw to your skull. Since some types of TMJ problems can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatment are important.

No one treatment can resolve TMJ disorders completely and treatment takes time to become effective. Dr. Simchian can help you have a healthier, mandíbula más cómoda.

Problemas con tu mandíbula?

TMJ disorders develop for many reasons. You might clench or grind your teeth, tightening your jaw muscles and stressing your TM joint. Es posible que tenga una articulación de la mandíbula dañada debido a una lesión o enfermedad.. Injuries and arthritis can damage the joint directly or stretch or tear the muscle ligaments. Como resultado, the disk, which is made of cartilage and functions as the “cushion” of the jaw joint, can slip out of position. Whatever the cause, the results may include a misaligned bite, dolor, clicking, or grating noise when you open your mouth, or trouble opening your mouth wide.

Do You Have a TMJ Disorder?

  • Are you aware of grinding or clenching your teeth?
  • Do you wake up with sore, stiff muscles around your jaws?
  • Do you have frequent headaches or neck aches?
  • Does the pain get worse when you clench your teeth?
  • Does stress make your clenching and pain worse?
  • Does your jaw click, pop, grate, catch, or lock when you open your mouth?
  • Is it difficult or painful to open your mouth, come, or yawn?
  • Have you ever injured your neck, cabeza, or jaws?
  • Have you had problems (such as arthritis) with other joints?
  • Do you have teeth that no longer touch when you bite?
  • Do your teeth meet differently from time to time?
  • Is it hard to use your front teeth to bite or tear food?
  • Are your teeth sensitive, loose, broken or worn?

The more times you answered “yes”, the more likely it is that you have a TMJ disorder. Understanding TMJ disorders will also help you understand how they are treated.

TMJ Treatment

Hay varios opciones de tratamiento para la ATM que el doctor. Simchian can utilize to improve the harmony and function of your jaw. Once an evaluation confirms a diagnosis of TMJ disorder, Dr. Simchian will determine the proper course of treatment. Es importante tener en cuenta que el tratamiento siempre funciona mejor con un enfoque de equipo de autocuidado combinado con atención profesional..

Los objetivos iniciales son aliviar los espasmos musculares y el dolor articular.. Esto generalmente se logra con un analgésico., antiinflamatorio, o relajante muscular. Los esteroides se pueden inyectar directamente en las articulaciones para reducir el dolor y la inflamación.. Los tratamientos de autocuidado a menudo también pueden ser eficaces e incluyen:

  • Descansando tu mandíbula
  • Mantener los dientes separados cuando no está tragando ni comiendo
  • Comer alimentos blandos
  • Applying ice and heat
  • Exercising your jaw
  • Practicing good posture

Stress management techniques such as biofeedback or physical therapy may also be recommended, as well as a temporary, clear plastic appliance known as a splint. A splint (o guardia nocturno) fits over your top or bottom teeth and helps keep your teeth apart, thereby relaxing the muscles and reducing pain. There are different types of appliances used for different purposes. Un protector nocturno le ayuda a dejar de apretar o rechinar los dientes y reduce la tensión muscular durante la noche.. También ayuda a proteger el cartílago y las superficies articulares.. Un aparato de posicionamiento anterior mueve la mandíbula hacia adelante, alivia la presión en partes de la mandíbula, y ayuda en el reposicionamiento del disco. It may be worn 24 hours/day to help your jaw heal. An orthotic stabilization appliance is worn 24 horas/día, o solo por la noche, para mover la mandíbula a la posición adecuada. Los electrodomésticos también ayudan a proteger el desgaste de los dientes.

¿Qué pasa con la corrección de mordida o la cirugía??

If your TMJ disorder has caused problems with how your teeth fit together you may need treatment such as bite adjustment (equilibration), orthodontics with or without jaw reconstruction, or restorative dental work. Surgical options, such as arthroscopy and open joint repair restructuring, are sometimes needed, but are reserved for severe cases. Dr. Simchian does not consider TMJ surgery unless the jaw can’t open, is dislocated and non-reducible, has severe degeneration, or the patient has undergone appliance treatment unsuccessfully.