What is TMJ Treatment?
The temporomandibular joints, located in front of your ears on both sides of your head, are essential for the smooth movement of your mouth. These joints depend on the coordination of muscles, ligaments, and bones. However, any issues with these joints can lead to TMJ disorder (TMD), causing disruptions in the proper opening and closing of your mouth.
Symptoms Of TMJ Disorder Include
- Headaches
- Tooth pain
- Pain or tenderness near the jaw
- Popping or clicking in the joint while speaking or chewing
Our medical professionals will evaluate the underlying cause of TMJ disorder in order to determine the most suitable treatment. This may include the use of a customized bite guard or considering surgical options.
The procedure involves various types or choices of products used
Custom-Fit Bite Guards
Our expert team at Arden Family Dentistry will create a personalized bite guard for you using professional models. This custom-fit bite guard is designed to ensure proper jaw alignment, allowing your jaw muscles to relax while you sleep and protecting your teeth. Made from durable plastic, the bite guard is built to last.
If you have TMJ Disorder, longer dental appointments can be uncomfortable. At Arden Family Dentistry, we understand this and will provide extra time during appointments to allow your jaw to rest.
How Can Botox® Help?
Botox® injections are an effective treatment for relieving the pain and discomfort associated with TMD and bruxism, also known as teeth grinding. These injections can be included in your dental treatment plan.
There are various factors that can contribute to the development of TMJ disorder. In some cases, a strong impact to the face, head, or neck can traumatize the jaw and lead to TMD. For others, misalignment of the bite can cause the joints to become displaced. Additionally, teeth grinding and clenching can result in uneven tooth surfaces and improper jaw closure, which can also contribute to TMD.
Regardless of the cause, the symptoms of TMD are generally consistent and typically start with pain that can range from bothersome to debilitating when opening the mouth to eat, speak, or yawn. Other symptoms may include:
- Popping sound when opening mouth
- Jaw feeling locked
- Ear pain without infection
- Frequent tension headaches
- Swelling on face
- Sensitive teeth
The Botox Procedure
If you are experiencing pain, tension, headaches, or facial pain due to teeth grinding and clenching at night, injecting Botox® into the affected muscles can provide relief. By blocking nerve receptors, Botox® prevents excessive contraction of the jaw muscles. Rest assured, we administer the right amount of Botox® to relax your muscles without affecting your ability to chew, speak, and move your jaw. Botox injections effectively and quickly relax the muscles responsible for TMJ pain.
Experience TMJ Relief with Botox® Treatment:
- Can be completed quickly.
- Delivers a pleasant sensation with small needles, often compared to a slight prick or bug bite.
- Yields enduring outcomes for approximately 3 months.
- Consistent sessions can effectively teach your muscles to remain relaxed for extended durations.
Most of our Botox patients experience relief within two to seven days after their initial treatment. It's important to note that only the injected areas are affected, so your facial features will still be able to move and express emotions normally. Our Botox treatment for TMJ disorder is non-surgical and non-invasive, allowing you to resume your daily activities almost immediately after the procedure.
If you would like to learn more about how Botox therapy in Long Island can alleviate TMD symptoms or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today!
Post-Treatment Care for TMJ Procedures
- Downtime and Recovery Process: The recovery process and post-treatment care instructions will vary depending on the type of treatment you undergo.
- Follow-up: Dr. Wells will assess the TMJ for any signs or symptoms of TMJ Disorder during all cleaning and examination appointments.
- Cost of TMJ Procedure: The cost of the TMJ procedure will depend on the specific treatment you receive. If a custom-fit bite guard is recommended, your dental insurance may cover some or all of the cost. Our Arden dental office can contact your insurance company as a courtesy to check if this procedure is covered. For those without dental insurance, payment options can be discussed during the consultation with our team.