TMD/TMJ Treatment

If you have been suffering from pain and discomfort in your jaw and you are not sure why, you could be suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder, usually referred to as TMJ/TMD. This painful condition can interfere with your ability to chew, bite and speak, and cause issues like radiating headaches and jaw pain.

What Is TMJ?

TMJ/TMD refers to a dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint. This is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull and is located just underneath each your ears. TMJ/TMD is typically caused by some kind of damage, inflammation, or trauma to this joint, for example:

• Grinding: If you grind your teeth, excessive strain could be placed on the joint, resulting in inflammation and pain
• Gum chewing: If you chew a lot of gum, the overuse could lead to damage to the temporomandibular joint.
• Injury: Direct trauma can also knock the joint out of place, which can lead to TMJ/TMD.
• Arthritis and Autoimmune disorders: Some kinds of arthritis and autoimmune disorders can cause also joint inflammation and TMJ/TMD.

What Are Treatment Options?

Some minor cases of TMJ/TMD can be resolved with anti-inflammatory medications and rest. For more severe cases, the first line in treating TMD pain is typically with an oral appliance like an occlusal guard or splint that prevents wear on your teeth and forces your jaw into a relaxed position. Sometimes though this may not be enough to lessen the symptoms, especially if you cannot control your clenching during the day.  This is when a neurotoxin such as Botox® and Xeomin® may provide some relief.

What is Botox®/Xeomin®?

Botox® and Xeomin® are neurotoxins that are injected into muscles to temporarily freeze them. Since Botox® contains additives that can diffuse into other parts of your muscle, Xeomin® is becoming a more popular option when it comes to treating TMJ pain.

How does it work?

We inject neurotoxin into muscles that are being overused.  This lightens the load of the muscles and allows them to relax.  In turn these muscles will stop the overuse of the joint.  This can help with jaw tension, headaches associated with teeth grinding and prevent stress related lockjaw.

How long does it last?

The treatment can take up to 4 weeks to start working and can provide relief for 3-4 months.

If you are experiencing jaw pain, you need to get help from a qualified professional right away. Whether you have TMJ/TMD or another jaw issue, the pain and discomfort can interfere with your ability to live your day-to-day life.
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Dr. Dhaliwal is an expert in the treatment of TMJ/TMD, and can help you understand the best steps you can take to recover from your condition. To see what treatment options may be best for your jaw pain, Contact West Maitland Dentistry Today.