If you’re among the millions of Americans who suffer from TMJ, you don’t have to resign yourself to live with pain and discomfort long-term. There are modern dentistry solutions and effective TMJ treatment options that will alleviate the pain, target this condition at the source, strengthen the jaw muscles and improve your quality of life so you can live pain-free.
Navigating TMJ Treatment Options: Innovative Dental Approaches for Relief and Recovery
TMJ dysfunction, also known as TMD, occurs when the jaw joints become inflamed and causes pain, headaches, difficulty chewing, a locked jaw joint, clicking, and other negative symptoms. If you’re experiencing one or several of these symptoms, you know how the pain and discomfort affect your quality of life. The good news is that there are solutions that will resolve this condition, alleviate pain, and restore normal jaw movement.
BOTOX Injections
BOTOX has become a popular solution for patients suffering from TMJ pain, and while it may provide temporary relief, the results are just that, temporary. BOTOX is a cosmetic injectable that also has some medical applications, and when injected into different muscles around the jaw, the active ingredients temporarily block communication between the brain and nerve signals to relax the muscles.
As a result, patients suffering from TMJ experience decreased muscle tension. As a solution for TMJ, BOTOX provides temporary pain relief and may also reduce chronic headaches resulting from this condition. Repeat treatments are necessary to maintain the result long-term, as the body will metabolize the injectable ingredients a few months after an injection.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is an effective solution for patients suffering from TMJ. Performing specific jaw exercises will strengthen the jaw muscles, stretch the muscles, extend the soft tissue, and improve the jaw’s range of motion. Regular physical therapy sessions to treat TMJ will make a significant difference in the symptoms and alleviate pain.
Oral Splints
Another popular treatment option for TMJ is a custom oral splint. This dental appliance is similar to a retainer and is custom-made to fit each patient’s mouth. It will fit over the upper, lower, or both sets of teeth at the dentist’s discretion.
The dentist will make an impression of the mouth and then send it to a dental lab where the technicians will create a splint made of resin that will cover the teeth to improve jaw function, improve the bite, and promote optimal jaw position. An oral splint must be worn as directed and often helps prepare the mouths of those who qualify for orthodontic treatment to reposition the jaw to treat TMJ.
If you’re suffering from TMJ and are looking for a treatment that will alleviate your pain and symptoms like chronic headaches, inflammation, and general jaw discomfort, we can help. We offer various services and customize treatment based on each patient’s unique needs and symptoms. We aim to treat your pain at the root and resolve TMJ, not just mask the symptoms. Contact us today at the office of Rebecca E. Reeves, DMD, FICOI, in Raleigh, NC to schedule a consultation.