Lower jaw treatment
Sensitive treatment of the mandible is carried out by the large mandibular nerve, the inferior alveolar nerve. This nerve represents a split of the nervus mandibularis, which in turn originates from the fifth cranial nerve, the trigeminal nerve. Both the inferior alveolar nerve and the relevant vessels (artery and inferior alveolar vein) run through a channel located inside the maxillary bone. This canal (Canalis mandibulae), runs like a tunnel under the teeth of the lower jaw, from where nerve fibers and branches of the vessels reach the individual teeth.
Periodontal apparatus
With the help of the so-called periodontium, each individual tooth is relatively firmly anchored in the lower jaw. In order to meet the demands of the purchasing process and the various protective functions, the periodontium consists of different parts in both the upper and lower jaw. Deep indentations within the jawbone (lat.
alveoli) accommodate the root part of each tooth. In addition, the periodontium includes: However, on closer inspection of the periodontium, it can be determined quite quickly that the individual teeth are not absolutely fixed and rigidly fixed in the jawbone. Such an anchorage would also be absolutely counterproductive considering the forces acting on the teeth during the chewing process.In fact, each individual tooth is suspended resiliently in the alveolus by bundles of collagen fibers, the so-called Sharpey fibers.
As a result, the tooth remains relatively mobile and the forces and pressures generated during the chewing process can be effectively distributed over a larger surface. The load acting on each individual tooth is thus greatly reduced. Furthermore, the tension of these collagen fiber bundles during the chewing process prevents the roots of the teeth from pressing too deeply into the jawbone under the influence of the pressure.
- The superficially localized gums (lat. Gingiva propria),
- The tooth cement (cementum) and
- The periodontium (Desmodont or Periodontium).
Lower jaw diseases
Typical diseases that can occur in the area of the lower jaw include inflammation of the teeth and bone. Furthermore, fractures of the lower jaw are not uncommon, but can be treated relatively well. Other frequently occurring diseases of the lower jaw manifest themselves less in the area of the actual bone but rather at the temporomandibular joint.
Excessive and/or incorrect stress on the joint can lead to the development of a so-called jaw lock or a jaw clamp. The term “trismus” refers to a restricted or incomplete opening of the mouth. In most cases, a contraction of the chewing muscles is the cause for the occurrence of a lockjaw.
In addition, local inflammatory processes in the area of the chewing muscles can lead to the occurrence of a lockjaw. Affected patients report problems in opening the mouth, the lower jaw can only be lowered minimally in the temporomandibular joint and under severe pain. Mandibular lockjaw as a disease of the lower jaw is treated by passive stretching exercises.
In many cases, this therapy method takes several weeks and is very uncomfortable for the affected patient. In contrast, the disease of the lower jaw known as mandibular lockjaw is characterized by a lack of ability to close the jaw. As a result, the rows of teeth can no longer be fitted together properly.
Possible causes for the occurrence of a lockjaw are luxations of the temporomandibular joint, fractures in the area of the joint head and pathological changes in the bone structure. By far the most common reason for the development of this clinical picture is an excessive mouth opening while yawning or biting into an apple.
