TMJ Treatment Near You
TMJ is an abbreviation for temporomandibular joint. We have two of these joints located on either side of our face. Their purpose is to attach our jaw to the lower part of our skull. You can think of this specific joint as a hinge, allowing us to slide, move, and open our jaw to a certain extent.
TMD stands for temporomandibular disorder and arises when we are unable to move our jaw properly. This condition can lead to several painful symptoms, which are listed below:
- Myofascial pain. This refers to any pain, soreness, or stiffness, experienced in the muscles found in your face, jaw, neck, and even your shoulders.
- Headaches and earaches.
- Lockjaw, or the clicking and popping of your jaw.
- Problems chewing and swallowing.
- Feelings of dizziness.
- Tooth sensitivity.
- Irregular bite patterns.
Bruxism is also a notable symptom of TMD. Bruxism is when you grind or clench your teeth. This is an especially common nighttime habit and occurs when you’re sleeping. If this goes on unaddressed, your teeth can eventually become very worn down, the enamel can become scraped off, and your teeth can be cracked or chipped. All these things impact your ability to eat. Infection is also more likely to manifest.
Bruxism is also a notable symptom of TMD. Bruxism is when you grind or clench your teeth. This is an especially common nighttime habit and occurs when you’re sleeping. If this goes on unaddressed, your teeth can eventually become very worn down, the enamel can become scraped off, and your teeth can be cracked or chipped. All these things impact your ability to eat. Infection is also more likely to manifest.
There are a few different avenues that you can explore regarding treating TMD, including:
- Simply resting your joint and/or moving it less than usual.
- Practicing relaxation techniques and exercises.
- Taking medications.
- Wearing a mouthguard or night guard.
- Alternating using hot and cold packs.
- Surgery.
TMJ Botox Treatment in South Miami
Here at our local dental clinic, we offer treatment to help remedy this issue – our TMJ dentist in South Miami does this by using Botox.
But what is Botox?
Most people are familiar with Botox as a method of reducing fine lines and wrinkles, therefore helping those who receive these injections look younger. In simple terms, Botox is a drug derived from the botulin toxin, which is a bacterium. If it’s administered in small, controlled injections, it’s safe.
Although it is indeed used to improve a person’s facial appearance, it can also be employed to relieve headaches and treat other issues, such as TMD.
For more information about TMJ Botox treatment, please don’t hesitate to out to our dentists. They will be able to address any questions and concerns you might have about the process.
How does this alternative strategy work at treating bruxism, though? Is it effective?
Bruxism occurs when your teeth grind against one another, which occurs when there’s too much stress or your jaw, it’s been injured, or if it’s unaligned. Botox is carefully injected into both your jaw joints, temporarily freezing or “paralyzing” them. As a result, signals sent by your brain to the nerve cells in your jaw are interrupted, and you won’t feel any pain or tension.
To learn if this is the correct treatment process for your unique case, it’s important that you schedule an initial consultation before committing to anything. Your dentist will conduct a thorough oral evaluation of your teeth, gums, and surrounding muscles. They may take a few different scans or x-rays to establish a detailed image of your situation. Once they deem it appropriate, you can go ahead and receive the injections. It’s good to remember that the effects of Botox aren’t permanent; you’ll need to receive another round of injections after a few months.
Looking to find convenient, yet reliable TMJ treatment in South Miami? We’ve got you covered! Come in and visit us in person, phone, or head to our website to get started today! After all, no one deserves to live with oral and maxillofacial pain, and our dentist is here to ensure that you don’t have to.