TMJ Treatment – Virginia Beach, VA
Lasting & Noticeable Relief from Chronic Jaw Pain
Have you been dealing with persistent jaw pain for longer than you can remember? Or maybe only recently you’ve noticed that your jaw seems sore, your teeth seem worn, or you hear popping or clicking noises when you move your mouth. These signs may point to TMJ disorder (TMD), a troublesome condition that can greatly impact your quality of life. Fortunately, it’s also an issue that Dr. Asra Javeed and our team can easily assist you with! To learn more about our TMJ treatment services or to schedule an appointment, just contact our Virginia Beach office today.
Why Choose Smile Care Family Dentistry for TMJ Treatment?
- Dedicated Dentist with Several Years of Experience
- Numerous Forms of Treatment to Choose From
- Dental Insurance Accepted & Financing Available
What Is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder, or temporomandibular joint disorder, affects the joints that connect your jaw to the rest of your skull. These joints play a vital role in talking, chewing, and yawning, among the other movements that your mouth can make. When they become strained or misaligned, it can cause pain, stiffness, and even difficulty moving your mouth. When you come in for an appointment, Dr. Javeed will examine your mouth and talk with you about your lifestyle habits and any symptoms or pain you may have noticed.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
Some signs and symptoms that might indicate the presence of TMJ disorder include:
- Pain felt in your jaw joints and the surrounding muscles
- Clicking or popping noises heard when you move your jaw
- Your jaw feels like it becomes stuck in an open or closed position
- You experience pain or difficulty when biting or chewing foods
- You notice that your teeth are worn from grinding or clenching
- Persistent migraines and headaches, as well as neck and back pain
- Noticeable changes in your bite pattern
Types of TMJ Treatment
When you visit our office for a consultation, after we’ve determined that TMJ disorder is impacting you, we can begin designing a custom treatment plan that addresses the root of the issue, rather than merely masking symptoms. Since every patient is different, we’ll be sure your solution is personalized for your specific needs. We offer a few different types of TMJ treatment here at our Virginia Beach office:
Occlusal Splints
An occlusal splint, sometimes called a nightguard, is a custom-made oral appliance that’s designed to relieve the amount of pressure placed on the jaw joints. It helps to prevent teeth grinding (bruxism) and promotes proper jaw alignment, all while reducing the discomfort felt around the jaw joints. Made specifically for your mouth and worn at night, they’re noninvasive, comfortable, and undeniably effective.
BOTOX® for TMJ Treatment
Although most people envision addressing fine facial lines with this treatment option, BOTOX® injections can also provide an incredibly effective solution for TMJ disorder. By relaxing the overactive jaw muscles that cause tension, pain, and clenching, BOTOX® helps reduce discomfort and facilitates better jaw movement. Better yet, the treatment is very quick, minimally-invasive, and many patients notice improvement and relief within days.
What Is BOTOX®?
BOTOX is the brand name of a formula that features a diluted form of botulinum toxin. When it is strategically injected into the muscles, it limits their movements. Not only does this help the skin on top of the muscles appear smoother, but it can also help with certain medical conditions, including TMJ disorder (TMD).
TMD is often associated with muscle tension throughout the face, which can worsen pain, lead to headaches, and contribute to other symptoms. By forcing those muscles to relax, BOTOX can play a great role in symptom management.
Are You a Good Candidate for BOTOX® for TMJ Treatment?
BOTOX might be a good option to help with your TMD if you are experiencing:
- Tenderness and pain in your jaw
- Muscle tension throughout your face
- Frequent TMD-related headaches
- Pain in your back and neck
- Limited mouth movement
- Changes in your bite
- Ringing in your ears
BOTOX can be especially helpful if your TMD is accompanied by persistent teeth grinding and clenching (a problem known as bruxism). Once the muscles are relaxed, you may be much less likely to brux, even at nighttime.
How Effectively Can BOTOX® Treat TMJ Disorder?
BOTOX has a strong track record of being an effective TMJ treatment. In fact, one study from 2012 found that it significantly decreased pain related to mouth movement for three months after the injections. A separate study found that it improved symptoms in 90% of participants.
Keep in mind, though, that BOTOX is usually not a standalone TMJ treatment. Since it does not address the root cause of TMD, it is often most effective when it is used alongside other therapies, such as an occlusal splint.
Would you like to find out if BOTOX injections are a good fit for you? Our Virginia Beach team would be happy to answer your questions, so do not hesitate to reach out to us.