Many people suffer from Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. This can be due to a variety of causes, but most typically it is caused by clenching or grinding. Patients with TMD often have a hard time focusing and completing daily tasks due to the symptoms caused by TMJ issues.
Some symptoms may include:
- Headaches.
- Swollen jaw.
- Jaw pain or tenderness.
- Aching discomfort around the ears.
- Locking jaw joint.
- Facial discomfort or pain.
If you suspect that you might be experiencing a TMD, come into our office. During your appointment, we will diagnose the problem and make recommendations for treatment based on the cause of your TMJ pain.
Injections
Did you know that injections can be used to treat TMD symptoms and alleviate jaw pain? Injections can treat grinding and clenching and eliminate headaches. Injections are an effective alternative to surgery, and we are proud to offer them here at Harris Family Dentistry. Our treatments are fast and virtually sensitivity-free!
Trigger Point Therapy
Injections reduce movement in the muscles by blocking the nerve receptors. This versatile treatment can target muscles all across your face, including the areas that control clenching and grinding motions. These points are often referred to as trigger points.
These trigger points are places where the muscles are tense or strained, leading to oral and facial pain as well as other symptoms. These trigger points can be relaxed through injections at strategic points.
Patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable this procedure can be as well as how a simple injection can improve their quality of life!
The Benefits of Injections
Although injections are an excellent treatment for TMD, the injections we offer at our office can offer other benefits as well.
- Relieves Headaches and TMJ Pain: Patients who clench or grind their teeth will notice jaw and head pain. Injection treatments every three months or so will stop the normal muscle contractions, giving the muscles a much-needed break.
- Smooths Wrinkles: Cosmetic injection smooths facial lines like crow’s feet, laugh lines, and worry lines. Injections will prevent the muscles from contracting and will reduce all types of wrinkles.
- Normalizes “Gummy” Smiles: If you are self-conscious about gums that are exposed when you smile, injections are a viable solution. We can relax the upper lip with injections to make the smile appear less gummy and give you a more confident grin.
If you are interested in any of the benefits of injections, contact our office today!
More TMD Treatments
Injections can be a life-changing treatment for many, but some patients may require other treatments, which is why we make treatment recommendations on an individual basis.
Treatment for this disorder often includes wearing an occlusal splint (nightguard). We offer several types of occlusal splints that can help prevent grinding and allow your jaw to heal.
An occlusal splint or nightguard fits over your top or bottom teeth and helps keep your teeth apart, thereby relaxing the muscles and reducing pain. There are different types of appliances used for different purposes. A nightguard helps you stop clenching or grinding your teeth, reduces muscle tension at night, and helps protect the cartilage and joint surfaces.
If your TMD cannot be fixed with a nightguard alone, your treatment plan may include other components that are designed to combat your TMD at its source and provide meaningful symptom relief.
The initial goals of TMD treatment are to relieve the muscle spasm and joint pain. This is usually accomplished by taking an anti-inflammatory medication along with a muscle relaxant. We may also recommend some self-care treatments to ease your symptoms. Self-care treatments can often be effective and include:
- Resting your jaw.
- Eating soft foods.
- Applying ice and heat.
- Exercising your jaw.
- Practicing good posture.
- Keeping your teeth apart when you are not swallowing or eating.
We can help you enjoy a better quality of life with a TMD treatment plan that is personalized for your needs!
Effective Pain Relief at Harris Family Dentistry
To find out more about TMJ disorders, injections, and TMD treatment, call us at our office today.