Many patients experience frequent headaches and migraines, but TMJ disorders are more than just occasional discomfort. Recurring jaw pain could be a warning sign of TMJ disorder, which is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joints of the mouth and the nerves associated with those joints.
The temporomandibular joints are located on both sides of the jaw and connect the lower jawbone to the skull. These joints work together to allow chewing, speaking, and yawning. When a patient has TMJ disorder, something goes wrong with the joints. They might hurt or make a clicking sound during movement. In some cases, the muscles that move the jaw can be affected as well.
If left untreated, this condition could lead to chronic facial pain and limited ability to eat and speak. A dentist can determine if a patient is suffering from TMJ disorder through a visual examination and the use of X-rays. From there, the dentist may recommend treatments like botox injections to relieve pain and improve function. Our dentist in Coeur D’ Alene, ID, is an experienced provider of these treatments and is committed to helping his patients with their dental health needs.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of TMJ Disorder?
A variety of factors can lead to the development of TMD, including teeth grinding, injury, and excessive gum chewing. However, there are a few signs and symptoms that commonly occur alongside it:
- Difficulty chewing
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw area
- Chronic headaches
- Facial pain
- Jaw popping or clicking when you open your mouth
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
There are many things that can cause TMJ disorder, but the most common ones are teeth grinding and clenching, arthritis in the joint, or an injury to the jaw. Most cases of TMD are treated with medication, bite guards or surgery. However, there is a new treatment option that is non-invasive and more comfortable than ever. It’s called Botox therapy for TMJ disorders.
Rather than using medications that can have negative side effects like nausea and drowsiness, Botox injections for TMJ disorders work by weakening the muscles that are causing your jaw pain. The reduced muscle tension helps to alleviate the pain you are experiencing in your jaw, face, and head.
How Does Botox Treat TMJ Disorder?
BOTOX® injections are FDA approved for treating chronic teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. The treatment involves injecting a small amount of botulinum toxin into the muscles of the jaw responsible for bruxing. By relaxing the muscles and preventing them from contracting, patients can reduce instances of chronic teeth grinding. This is beneficial because clenching the teeth puts a great deal of force on the jaw bones over time, which can ultimately lead to long-term damage such as fracturing or loosening teeth.
Many dentists offer mouthguards as another treatment option for bruxism. However, some patients find these uncomfortable to wear or even ineffective in preventing nighttime teeth grinding. On the other hand, BOTOX® injections are a minimally invasive procedure that can be completed within just a few short minutes. What’s more, the treatment can be repeated as necessary to combat the effects of bruxism.
Treating your TMJ disorder with BOTOX® is a simple and safe option that offers lasting benefits for your dental health. Schedule an online appointment or call us at 208-664-9129 to have a consultation with Dr. Larson, and we’ll be able to guide you further.
