I have always been one of those people who loves to get out into the world and talk with other people, but a few years ago, I realized that I had to do something about my smile. My teeth were yellow and unattractive, and it was really discouraging to see how much different my smile was. I knew that I needed to get my teeth fixed, so I started working with a professional dentist to make things right. Within a few short months, my smile was completely transformed, and I knew that I owed it all to my dental professional. Check out this blog for more information about working with a dentist.
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Working With A Great Dentist
Arthroscopy And TMJ: The Basics
Harper Hughes
One of the most annoying of all oral health problems is a condition where the the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull is not functioning properly. Known as TMJ disorder or simply TMJ, this condition can cause pain and tenderness in your mouth and jaw and make chewing and swallowing food difficult. In some instances non-invasive treatments might solve the problem, but if these are ineffective, an arthroscopy might be recommended.
The Procedure
A TMJ arthroscopy is a procedure where the oral surgeon uses a tiny camera to inspect the affected joint. The camera is inserted into the patient's body through an incision made near the ear. Once the doctor inspects the joint, he or she will then make any surgical repairs to the area that are deemed necessary. This may involve removing any damaged tissue or insert anti-inflammatory medication.
The surgery will require you to go under general anesthesia in most cases. The anesthesiologist will discuss the process with you before the surgery, so that you know exactly what to expect. When you wake up from the anesthesia you might feel some discomfort or pain in the affected area. If you do, just ask for pain medication.
Post Operative Period
It's important to eat a proper diet that consists of only soft foods during the two or three weeks following your arthroscopy. Chew your food slowly and carefully to avoid any negative impact on the joint as it heals. You will also need to begin exercising your jaw during the recovery period. Open your mouth straight up and down for about two minutes four or five times each day. This allows the joint to return to a full range of motion after the surgery.
Do not be alarmed by any swelling in the area during the first few days after you return home, as this is perfectly normal. Also, if you feel certain strange sensations in the joint area, such as a burning sensation, this is also common and nothing to be overly concerned about. Some slight dizziness may occur during the post-operative period as well.
TMJ is a health disorder that has various causes such as grinding your teeth too much, excessive stress and arthritis. If possible, it's best to treat the problem with non-surgical methods such as night guards, but in severe cases an arthroscopy might be the best option. Click here for more information.
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