Orofacial Pain Relief in Mumbai | Tongue Tie India - Expert TMJ & Jaw Pain Solutions

PAIN RELIEF FOR TMJ & TMD

tmj pain/ orofacial pain specialist

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WHAT IS TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDER AND OROFACIAL PAIN?

Orofacial/Craniofacial pain is a specialized field in dentistry that focuses on providing diagnosis, treatment, and care for non-dental pain in the head, neck, face, or inside the mouth. All of these disorders have different causes and treatment approaches. Individuals experiencing persistent pain ranging from headaches and migraines to TMJ pain, discomfort in the mouth, face, neck, and shoulders, and pain that extends all the way to the feet commonly seek guidance from their dentists for any suspicious toothaches.

Dental pain is a type of orofacial pain that is often addressed and treated through dental procedures. However, orofacial pain can also occur due to non-dental problems such as temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), which resemble the pain occurring in teeth, mouth, or face. It is important to note that not all dentists/ oral surgeons have advanced training in orofacial pain disorders. However, craniofacial/ orofacial pain specialists with advanced training

CAUSES OF OROFACIAL/CRANIOFACIAL PAIN

Pain in the teeth, face, and head may be caused by various causes, such as rhinosinusitis, sleep disorders, OSA, mouth breathing, TMJ disorders, tongue ties, and clenching. This pain may also affect the muscles involved in chewing, swallowing, talking, and other associated structures.

Individuals experiencing TMJ pain and problems may often experience fatigue and spasms in facial muscles, resulting from trauma, stress, clenching or the inability to find a proper bite, incorrect swallowing, and breathing dysfunction. Additionally, incorrect swallowing and breathing dysfunction may also contribute to these problems. To help you chew and close your mouth properly, your jaw muscles may be working overtime to try and keep your head posture in balance. When these muscles become fatigued, it can send pain down your neck and into your shoulders and back. This pain may even extend to the arms in severe cases.

TYPES OF PAIN

TMD PAIN: Myofascial Pain

Orofacial pain refers to the non-dental pain that presents in the head, face or neck, or inside your mouth. The face is made up of a combination of fascia, muscles, nerves, bones and cartilage. Dysfunction in these structures presents itself in the form of headaches or migraines and pain, burning or tingling sensations in their teeth, mouth, face, neck and shoulder.

TMD PAIN: Articular Pain

This means a dislocated jaw or displaced disk, (cushion of cartilage between the head of the jaw bone and the skull), or injury to the condyle (the rounded end of the jaw bone that articulates with the temporal skull bone). Disc displacement can be of 2 types, with reduction and without reduction.

TMD PAIN: Degenerative Joint Disease

This includes osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the jaw joint.

TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA PAIN

Another facial pain disorder is trigeminal neuralgia (TN). This is where brief, sharp, shooting, electrical and severe pain can be triggered by actions that don’t normally hurt. For example, lightly touching your face, brushing your teeth, talking, chewing or shaving can all trigger pain in trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Many times, untrained professionals may misdiagnose this pain for a TMD.

THE MIGRAINE CONNECTION

Migraine pain may sometimes resemble facial pain. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and headache disorders frequently coexist, with migraine being the most common type of headache disorder for TMD patients. The symptoms of TMD can intensify, and the migraine pain has the potential to become chronic. Most TMD patients experiencing TMD-related headaches or migraines often consider them to be a normal part of their life and may not express any concerns until asked. However, it is important for patients to understand that experiencing headaches daily is not normal.

HELP US HELP YOU!

Describing pain can be tricky and difficult as it is a personal experience. When speaking to an orofacial pain specialist, giving details about where the pain is located, the duration of the pain, its frequency (whether it is intermittent or constant), and any associated symptoms are essential. Additionally, explaining the specific sensations of pain and how they feel also helps the orofacial pain specialist understand your problem better and provide a proper diagnosis.

NEUROLOGICAL PAIN

OROFACIAL PAIN

Jaw pain on one side
Dull Ache
Stiffness
Intense Pain
Referred Pain
Deep & Aching At Rest
Mild to Severe Pain
Inconsistent Variable Pain
Tenderness of Skin in Region of Referred Pain
No Prickling, Numbing or Burning
Rarely Throbbing

ARTICULAR PAIN

PAIN MANAGEMENT

If we know WHY, we know HOW? At The TMJ, Tongue Tie & Sleep Institute by Dentician, we focus on decreasing the occurrences of pain and addressing the functional limitations of the patient through comprehensive and minimally-invasive approaches to sustainably improve quality of life. If you are experiencing orofacial pain, it is essential to recognize that you are not alone. Numerous individuals experience similar challenges, and seeking help from an experienced orofacial pain specialist can help you get a proper diagnosis and care for your condition.

Functional Neuro Myofascial Massage Technique (FNFT)

Myofascial release (MFR, self-myofascial release) is a therapy used to treat skeletal muscle immobility and pain by relaxing contracted muscles, improving blood, oxygen, and lymphatic circulation, and stimulating the stretch reflex in muscles. The therapy integrates the release of trigger points (sensitive areas of tight muscle fibers in your muscles) in the muscles and fascia.

The most popular Myofascial release technique is the Functional Neuro Myofascial Massage Technique (FNFT). FNFT performs Myofascial releases both intraorally and extraorally to provide a FAST pain relief and recovery technique for muscles fatigued from TMD.

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

LLLT is a non-invasive light source treatment that generates a single wavelength of light. It emits no heat, sound, or vibration. It is also called biostimulation. LLLT is believed to accelerate the repair of connective tissue and act as an anti-inflammatory agent that is provided as an adjunct to FNFT.

Magnesium Glycinate Supplement

Magnesium may improve your sleep. It plays an important role in your nervous system, helping to activate mechanisms that quiet and calm you. It may also help relieve anxiety and depression, which can interfere with sleep.

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT)

Orofacial myofunctional therapy focuses strictly on treating the root cause, tries to fix it first and break that negative cycle. A study from Brazil shows OMT has a significant reduction of pain sensitivity to palpations for all muscles and increased the mandibular mobility, range of motion and reduced frequency and severity of signs and symptoms of TMD.

Pain Relief for TMJ/TMD | | TMJ, Tongue Tie & Sleep Institute – Tongue Tie Treatment in Mumbai, India | |

Neuromuscular Orthotics

An orthotic device is a customized splint that can ease your jaw into a more comfortable and less straining TMJ position.

Moist Heat

We recommend the application of warm packs a couple of times a day to help relax some of the musculature in that area.

Dietary Regulation

Crunchy & Chewy foods will put unnecessary stress on the TMJ. Soft Diets are the most ideal for those suffering from TMD’s since they reduce the amount of force on the muscles used for chewing. This reduces the strain on the joint and spasming of the muscles. Certain foods and diets like dairy free diets are also shown to reduce inflammation. This can further help fight chronic pain and relieve head & sinus congestion.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does an orofacial pain specialist help in TMJ and TMD pain management?

Orofacial pain specialists are trained professionals who help address TMJ and TMD and help with its management by providing personalized treatment. Orofacial pain specialists study the patient profile, understand the symptoms and cause of pain, and then devise a personalized treatment strategy.

Speak to an Orofacial Pain Specialist

Can I manage my TMJ pain at home?

Yes, certain home remedies such as warm compression and practicing relaxation techniques, may help in managing TMJ pain at home. However, it is important to see a TMJ specialist if the pain worsens and persists for longer than usual.

What is temporomandibular joint disorder?

Temporomandibular joint disorder, otherwise known as TMD, is a group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the muscles and joints of the jaw. TMD can cause pain in the jaws, face, head, neck and shoulder.

What are the different jaw pain treatments?

Jaw pain treatment may depend on its cause. Jaw pain can stem from various issues. Identifying its cause helps in targeting the pain with the right treatment. Dr Ankita Shah specializes in diagnosing the root cause of jaw pain and providing personalized treatments to alleviate the pain by targeting its cause.

Where can I get the best TMJ disorder treatment?

At Dr. Ankita Shah’s clinic, you can get the best TMJ disorder treatments. She is a certified TMJ specialist with years of experience and expertise. Dr. Ankita uses unique approaches, such as TMJ exercises for pain relief, through which her patients achieve long-term results.

Can stress cause TMJ pain?

Yes, stress is one of the major causes of TMJ pain.