A TMJ disorder (temporomandibular joint disorder) can cause a number of problems. Problems like damage to teeth, bite and jaw pain, and frequent headaches. Fortunately, dentists can provide treatments to alleviate the symptoms and help you manage TMJ pain and discomfort. Derby Dental makes custom dental appliances to prevent damage to teeth, and help relieve pain and tension in your jaw.
We can also provide Botox injections to help relax the muscles that are causing stress on your jaw. Book an appointment today to learn how you can ease your pain and protect your teeth with TMJ therapy in Austin, TX. We also provide restorative dentistry services at our Austin, TX, dental office.
What Is TMJ Therapy?
The TMJ refers to the small joints just below your ears that connect your skull to your jawbone. Every time you speak, chew, or swallow, you’re using this joint. That’s why, when something goes wrong in this area, it can cause chronic pain. Treatment for TMJ disorder (also known as TMD) will get these muscles, bones, and ligaments back in working order and free from pain again.
Some common symptoms, and signs that you have a TMJ disorder, include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness, especially when chewing or opening your mouth
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when moving your jaw
- Earache or pain around the ears
- Frequent morning headaches or migraines
- Limited movement of the jaw joint
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully
- Locking of the jaw joints; jaw stiffness
- Swelling on the sides of your face
- Changes in bite alignment or difficulty chewing
- Dizziness or vertigo
TMJ therapy may include a combination of techniques like exercises, physical therapy, medication, oral appliances, and in severe cases, surgery. The goal of our TMJ therapy services is to alleviate your pain and improve the function of your jaw joint. Our dentists provide treatment plans that prioritize your oral and overall health.
Equilibration/Occlusal Adjustments
An equilibration/occlusal adjustment is a term for a minor dental procedure. During this procedure, we will slightly reshape your teeth so that the upper and lower teeth come together in a more ideal way. This treatment is best when misalignment causes parts of your teeth to experience too much pressure, leading to TMJ pain.
We’ll use our comfortable and accurate digital impression system to locate these problem areas. Then, we will gently adjust them to prevent this discomfort from occurring.
Your bite controls much more than you think. Your jaw joint and teeth create a precise mechanism that allows you to chew, speak, and bite. Compromised jaw function can lead to decreased mobility, potentially causing persistent pain and chronic headaches in the long term.
BOTOX® Injections for TMJ
While BOTOX is famous for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in your face, it can also treat TMJ disorder. When a dentist injects BOTOX into the facial muscles, it blocks certain nerve signals from reaching these muscles. The blocked nerve signals cause a kind of selective paralysis. This should keep you from feeling the same pain over and over again.
If your TMJ disorder is the result of bruxism or teeth grinding, BOTOX can be the solution for you. The injections will relax the muscles responsible for teeth clenching and grinding, allowing you to heal. Dr. Erika Whitehouse has training in BOTOX injections for TMJ disorder. Give Derby Dental a call at 512-862-1463 for high-quality TMJ treatments in Travis County.