Know your options – lockjaw tetanus Treatment GK 1
Lockjaw or trismus is a condition where you cannot open your mouth completely. This can be due to various reasons, and tetanus is one of the reasons for lockjaw. Tetanus is a bacterial infection that occurs due to an infected wound. It is caused by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani. It does not spread from person to person but can be a life-threatening condition.
When the jaw muscles are involved, lockjaw can be caused by tetanus. Knowing the exact reason for the lockjaw is essential before starting treatment. The information provided below will briefly discuss lockjaw and its treatment.
We will also discuss what treatment should be given if the condition is caused by tetanus. Read the blog post to learn more about Lockjaw Tetanus Treatment GK 1.
What is lockjaw? – lockjaw tetanus Treatment GK 1
The jaw joint, or temporomandibular joint, is the only movable joint in the face. It connects your skull with the lower jaw. TMJ helps in the movement of the jaw bone. The joint is made up of bones, ligaments, and muscles. The lockjaw or trismus can be due to a defect with any components.
Tetanus affects the muscles, and the spasm does not allow you to open the mouth completely. In other instances of the lockjaw, the ligaments and the bone are involved. Understanding the lockjaw’s root cause before planning the treatment is crucial.
Our team of TMJ experts at Smayate Dental Clinic GK 1 will clinically and radiologically examine your case. A thorough clinical and radiographic diagnosis is a must to plan a customized approach.
Tetanus and lockjaw
Tetanus spores remain in the soil and enter the human body through an open wound. Because of the low oxygen tension, spores germinate in the areas of infection and wound. On germinating, the spores release tetanospasmin, a neurotoxin.
The toxin attacks the nerves that supply the muscle, manifesting as a muscle spasm. A history of injury and spasms in the areas near the wound is an indication of tetanus-induced lockjaw.
Other symptoms of lockjaw
Lockjaw is accompanied by jaw pain. Biting and chewing will be difficult due to the pain. The mouth opening will be reduced, leading to compromised chewing ability. If tetanus is not treated on time, it can lead to muscle damage and can be life-threatening. There can be associated symptoms of high fever and increased blood pressure.
Treatment options – lockjaw tetanus Treatment GK 1
It is essential to rule out the other causes of lockjaw to begin treating tetanus lockjaw. Antitoxin is administered to counteract the neurotoxin released to cure it. Symptomatic treatment will be given for other symptoms like pain and fever.
If the lockjaw cause is not tetanus, the treatment plan changes accordingly. There are different diagnostic methods, like TMJ arthroscopy, which helps diagnose the condition.
Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are the keys to success at Lockjaw Tetanus Treatment GK 1. Book your appointment with us at Smayate Dental Clinic GK 1 to learn more.