The temporomandibular joint which connects the jawbone to the skull may become tense and cause pain, developing a TMJ disorder. Many patients with TMJ may have a misaligned and imbalanced bite. Symptoms like teeth clenching and grinding may develop as a result.
Common Signs of TMJ
There are multiple signs of TMJ to look out for:
- Jaw pain
- Neck pain
- Chronic earaches
- Teeth clenching and grinding
- Chronic migraines
- Back or shoulder pain
- Jaw popping or clicking
If left untreated, TMJ can seriously damage the jaw joint, teeth, and surrounding tissues. It is important to stop these symptoms at the source with professional dental care.
Treating TMJ
Before treatment, Dr. Shane Newton will assess your oral health and discuss your budget and goals with you. If you have extensive wear and damage from TMJ symptoms, Dr. Newton may recommend cosmetic and restorative solutions to be used after oral appliance therapy.
Oral appliance therapy can be used to protect teeth and treat TMJ disorders. Oral appliances are custom-fit and cover teeth to prevent teeth clenching and grinding. This option not only minimizes wear and tear but also diminishes muscle contractions which are often the source of chronic migraines. Oral appliances alleviate jaw pain and prevent teeth from making contact.
Botox for TMJ in Payette
Dr. Newton can offer patients suffering with significant jaw pain and dysfunction the option of Botox injections. Botox can be a highly effective, non-surgical treatment option that provides significant relief for TMJ sufferers when traditional therapies haven’t been successful. For TMJ disorders, Botox is strategically injected into specific muscle groups that contribute to jaw dysfunction and pain:
- Masseter Muscles: The large chewing muscles on the sides of your jaw. When overactive, these muscles cause jaw clenching, teeth grinding, and facial pain. Botox relaxes these muscles to reduce tension and protect your teeth.
- Temporalis Muscles: Located at your temples, these muscles help close your jaw. Chronic tension here often leads to severe headaches and temple pain that radiates throughout the head.
- Medial and Lateral Pterygoid Muscles: These deeper muscles control jaw movement and positioning. When dysfunctional, they cause jaw clicking, popping, and difficulty opening or closing your mouth properly.
Many patients find that regular Botox treatments not only provide ongoing relief but may help “retrain” their jaw muscles over time. Some individuals require fewer treatments as their muscle tension patterns improve, while others benefit from maintenance treatments every 4-6 months for optimal comfort.
Schedule an Appointment
Stop jaw and facial pain at the source. If you have noticed the signs of TMJ, call Two Rivers Dental at 208.243.9807. Dr. Newton and his team will be happy to provide you with a custom-fit oral appliance.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
Can TMJ be permanently treated?
As of now, there is no known way to completely get rid of TMJ. However, it is possible to limit and minimize flare-ups and symptoms from it. Oral appliances that are customized to your mouth are the best way to alleviate pain and other symptoms so you can get back to normal.
What causes TMJ?
There are many things that can trigger TMJ symptoms. For starters, stress is one of the most common. It tends to make us grind and clench our teeth without realizing it. Certain medications have clenching and grinding teeth as a side effect as well.
You can also trigger a flare-up by eating certain kinds of foods. Things that are hard or require a lot of chewing to break down can cause more stress on your jaw joint.
Can TMJ change my face?
Over time, TMJ can change the look of your face. Your teeth can change where they meet in the mouth, putting your jaw in a different position. You can lose facial symmetry by grinding specifically on one side. Lastly, your jaw can appear swollen and more square due to grinding consistently.