Diagnosis of temporomandibular joint arthrosis
The diagnosis of temporomandibular joint arthrosis takes place primarily at the level of imaging procedures. This means that in order to make a reliable assessment of the joint condition, an x-ray must be taken, which must provide a complete image of the jaw and the teeth embedded in it, as well as the jaw joint itself. As a rule, the so-called orthopantomogram (OPG for short) serves as a significant aid in the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint arthrosis.
In addition, the tissue surrounding the temporomandibular joint must be assessed using other imaging techniques. This necessity is justified by the fact that in the course of temporomandibular joint arthrosis, typical changes occur in the soft tissue, which can provide an indication of the underlying problem. Under certain circumstances, the treating physician may also arrange for an MRI of the temporomandibular joint.
Therapy
Since there are various causes for the development of temporomandibular joint arthrosis, the therapy of this disease is primarily directed towards the elimination of the causal problem. In the course of this, the search for the cause is the first priority in an optimal arthrosis treatment. If carious defects are the reason for the incorrect loading of the temporomandibular joints and the development of the signs of wear and tear, it is imperative to remove them and fill the affected teeth with fillings.
Patients with temporomandibular joint arthrosis who have faulty, worn or incorrectly fitted crowns, bridges or fillings must also be replaced with a more suitable prosthetic restoration in order to relieve the temporomandibular joint in the long term. Patients who have the habit of teeth grinding due to stress have to learn and regularly use various relaxation exercises. Furthermore, it should be noted that TMJ arthrosis is a wear and tear condition, which usually involves the occurrence of inflammatory processes in the area of the affected joints.
For this reason, an anti-inflammatory therapy is recommended in addition to eliminating the cause. See below: Crunch splint The general reduction of stress is also essential for the effective and above all long-term treatment of temporomandibular joint arthrosis. This is related to the fact that excessive stress has a particularly negative influence on the organism.
The consequence is the increased formation of specific inflammatory factors, which promote temporomandibular joint arthrosis and worsen the symptoms. In addition, the tension caused by stress leads to nightly teeth grinding in many patients. Some patients also report that they react to emotional stress by pressing their teeth together.
This habit also leads to an increased false strain on the temporomandibular joints. Furthermore, a relaxation of the chewing muscles can contribute to a reduction of the pain and tensions that occur in the course of temporomandibular joint arthrosis. For this reason, the use of acupuncture needles can be useful for affected patients.
In order to counteract the inflammatory processes in the area of the temporomandibular joints, it may be necessary to switch to an anti-inflammatory diet. Above all, it can help to reduce the inflammatory reaction of the organism. Wheat should be avoided as far as possible in the presence of temporomandibular joint arthrosis.
In addition, certain foods can promote joint formation and thus the regeneration of the temporomandibular joints. Patients suffering from temporomandibular joint arthrosis should, if possible, consume a sufficient amount of nutrients on a daily basis. Food containing collagen and horsetail promote the cross-linking of collagen fibers, the main component of cartilage in the temporomandibular joints.
Food supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate can also help to regenerate joint cartilage. Foods containing collagen and horsetail promote the cross-linking of collagen fibers, the main component of cartilage in the temporomandibular joints. Food supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate can also help to regenerate joint cartilage.
- Fish (for example herring or mackerel),
- Herbs and spices
