It is estimated that over 10 million people in the U.S. suffer from TMJ. Surprisingly, research shows that 90% of those who suffer from this condition are women in their childbearing years.
TMJ is a complicated disease. It is often misunderstood and even more often misdiagnosed. Those who suffer from it experience symptoms ranging from simple joint pain to severe headaches. The disease is progressive and will get worse over time if not properly treated. Left untreated TMJ can affect the ability to speak, eat and chew, swallow, make normal facial expressions and even breathe.
The pain from TMJ can be quite intense. Either or both sides of the face can be affected. In addition to the pain, the condition causes clicking or popping sounds when the jaw is opened. Eventually the jaw may completely lock up.
It is very difficult to get the proper treatment for TMJ. Neither the ADA (American Dental Association) nor the AMA (American Medical Association) recognize the treatment of TMJ as a specialty. There is no standard of treatment set by either of these associations and the condition is not studied in either dental or medical schools. Because of this lack of a specific recognized treatment most health and dental insurance carriers refuse to pay for diagnosis and treatment of the condition.
TMJ is often treated using uncomfortable orthodontic devices. The goal is to reposition the lower jaw using appliances that decompress the joint. If this procedure is not successful, and it can take a year or more to determine if it will be successful, the next step is surgery. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon will literally break the jaw and rearrange it. A hospitalization of 2 to 4 days is required. In the past patients jaws were wired shut for weeks but new techniques now use stabilization appliances and most patients can open their mouths within 24 to 72 hours after surgery.
There is new hope for TMJ suffers. Before submitting to the pain and expense of dental implants and devices or surgery with long recovery time, consider that TMJ can be controlled or even cured using some simple programs.
Completely natural programs which teach a series of targeted exercises of the face, jaw and neck muscles have been found by many TMJ suffers to give complete relief. In comparison to the medical alternatives, which are both painful and expensive, TMJ suffers should consider this holistic approach. Many find relief for their condition almost immediately. No drugs, no devices and no surgery.
Author Resource:-
Sheila Guilloton is the owner of a specialty agency which assists individuals and business owners in finding the dental insurance and other products for the health of your mouth. For help in selecting the best products to keep your teeth and mouth healthy, visit the Prestige Planners web site at http://www.prestigedentalplanners.com
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