TMJ disorder (temporomandibular joint disorder) can cause a number of problems like damage to teeth, bite and jaw pain, and frequent headaches. A custom appliance can be made and worn to prevent damage to teeth, and help relieve pain and tension in the jaw. If you’re experiencing symptoms like these, 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 care 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) is designed to get these muscles, bones, and ligaments back in working order and free from pain again.
Equilibration/Occlusal Adjustments
An equilibration/occlusal adjustment is a term for a minor dental procedure that involves slightly reshaping your teeth so that the upper and lower teeth come together in a more ideal way. This treatment becomes necessary when misalignment causes certain sections of the teeth to be placed under severe pressure, which can result in TMJ pain. We’ll use our comfortable and accurate digital impression system to locate these problem areas and 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 more. When your jaw becomes compromised, it affects the movement. This can create long-term pain and chronic headaches.
BOTOX® Injections for TMJ
While BOTOX is famous for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in the face, it can also be used to treat TMJ disorder. When BOTOX is injected into the facial muscles, it blocks certain nerve signals from reaching these muscles, causing a kind of selective paralysis. This should keep you from feeling the same pain.
If your TMJ disorder is the result of bruxism, BOTOX injections relax the muscles responsible for teeth clenching and grinding, allowing you to heal. Dr. Erika Whitehouse has completed additional training in BOTOX injections for TMJ disorder, so you can be sure that you’re getting high-quality TMJ treatment here at Derby Dental.