When someone suffers from temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder, or TMJ Wichita KS, they will want to take necessary steps in making sure they are not in pain during a teeth cleaning procedure. This condition can cause pain in the jaw and in some instances it can cause it to lock. Since the mouth needs to remain open for cleanings, there are some steps that can be taken to make the process a bit easier.
It is a good idea to see a regular physician before having a the teeth cleaned. The person suffering from TMJ can ask for an anti-anxiety medication to help them get through the process of getting their teeth cleaned without feeling scared that their jaw will cause them problems. Taking a mild pain reliever can also be a big help. The dentist should be informed before they start the procedure so they are not surprised if their patient seems to be drifting off a bit during the cleaning.
Signals can be set up to inform the dentist when the process is too intense. The patient can make a sound or make a movement with their hand to alert the dentist they would like the to stop the cleaning procedure. They can then rest for a bit to see if their jaw pain eases up. If it feels better, they can continue with the cleaning. If it is still painful, they may be able to make another appointment to finish the cleaning at another time. Knowing that the procedure can be done in several sittings will help the patient feel more at ease. They may finish out the cleaning by being able to take frequent breaks as well.
A dentist may want to do some additional testing on a patient suffering from TMJ Wichita KS. Taking X-Rays may show if the teeth contribute to the problem in any way. In some instances, the patient may be better off having a surgical procedure done to help the jaw open and close without locking. The dentist will make a recommendation if anything is seen in the X-Rays showing that the teeth are affected because of the condition.
