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TMJ/TMD Treatment in Glastonbury, CT,
The temporomandibular joint is one of the most valuable in the body, and we each have two TMJs. It’s these joints that connect our lower jawbone to the rest of our skulls. Through their movement, our jaws open and close, allowing us to speak and chew.
TMD, temporomandibular dysfunction, is a serious condition that affects thousands of people. Those who suffer from TMD have difficulties that affect their daily activities.
Symptoms of TMD
How do you know if you have TMD? The symptoms of TMD vary from one person to the other. Two people with TMD might complain of entirely different things. While one person’s primary symptom might be feeling pain, another could complain about their jaw locking.
Sometimes the symptoms might be mild and as simple as a clicking sound when the jaw is opened or closed. Regardless of the issue, at Steven F. Hinchey, DMD, we will consider each case seriously.
Ignoring a small problem and not treating it can lead to progression. We don’t like to leave things without treatment as complicated conditions are harder to treat than simple ones at the start of their course.
Treatment of TMD
We have several modalities of treating TMD. At Steven F. Hinchey, DMD in Glastonbury, CT. Dr. Hinch is more than qualified to deal with temporomandibular joint dysfunction. We commonly start with painkillers and muscle relaxants for immediate pain relief and comfort.
Treatment afterward will depend on the severity and cause. Those who grind their teeth in their sleep might need mouthguards. Alternatively, people with problems in the joint like those affecting the soft tissues or bones may need surgical intervention.
Surgery can be done through minimally invasive methods like using an arthroscope. A scope is a thin tube with a camera at the end of it that can be used in diagnosis and treatment. More severe cases or those with failed arthroscopy need open surgery where we make an incision to access the joint and fix the underlying problem.
