The primary symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders, or TMJ, is jaw pain, but the condition may also cause tooth pain, neck pain and headaches. People develop TMJ for various reasons, such as teeth clenching and jaw misalignment. Neurotoxin treatment helps those with TMJ without surgery or medications. The therapies alleviate pain and also protect your teeth and dental health.
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint is the joint that connects your lower jaw to the skull. The joint works like a hinge and allows you to chew, talk and swallow. TMJ disorders cause pain in the joint and face and may be caused by:
- Genetics
- Teeth clenching and grinding
- Misaligned jawbones
- Arthritis
Some people are able to relieve their symptoms by using mouth guards and being diligent about not clenching and grinding their teeth. If these methods do not help, other medical interventions may need to be considered. Surgery is the last option, and neurotoxins are shown to help patients avoid invasive procedures to treat their TMJ disorders.
What are the Benefits of TMJ Treatment?
The goal of neurotoxin care for a TMJ disorder is to alleviate your symptoms, which may include one or more of the following:
- Aching in the face
- Tenderness and pain in the jaw
- Locking of the temporomandibular joint
- Problems when chewing food
- Ear pain or pain around the ear
- Pain in one or both temporomandibular joints
- Sounds when using the jaw, such as popping, clicking and grating
Who is a Good Candidate for TMJ Treatment?
Having jaw pain or a popping sound does not necessarily mean that you need treatment for a TMJ disorder. You should seek treatment for TMJ if you have persistent pain or tenderness in your jaw. Your dentist may also refer you for treatment based on the findings of your annual examination.
What Should I Expect During TMJ Treatment?
The approach and anticipated outcomes of your TMJ treatment depend on which part of the joint is causing your symptoms. The temporomandibular joint is designed to work with a hinge-like movement and sliding motion. This is why you can slide your lower jaw backward and forwards as well as up and down. Your TMJ disorder may involve:
- The disc between the head of the lower jaw and socket of the skull
- The cartilage of the joint
- The joint itself
How Much Does TMJ Treatment Cost?
TMJ treatment in not normally covered by your medical insurance. We review your costs after the consultation.
TMJ disorders are common, and many cases resolve without medical treatment. Patients who experience regular or severe TMJ symptoms should contact us to schedule a personal consultation.
