In the Know:  TMJ Causes and Treatment

In the Know:  TMJ Causes and Treatment

If you are experiencing pain, clicking or popping in your jaw when you talk or chew, the chances are that you have TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) disorder.

What is TMJ?

TMJ disorder or syndrome is the pain in the jaw joint. The TMJ is connected to the lower jaw of the skull in front of the ear. When normal functions of the jaw such as talking, chewing, and swallowing become difficult and you experience pain in the face, neck or ears and have headaches, TMJ syndrome is the probable diagnosis.

 

What are the Causes of TMJ?

There are several possible causes of TMJ which include:

  • Arthritis
  • Dislocation or injury of the jaw
  • Tooth and jaw alignment
  • Stress and teeth grinding

While you may have these symptoms, you should still schedule an appointment with Khanna Dentistry and let Dr. Neeraj Khanna or one of his highly trained associates provide a diagnosis and discuss TMJ treatment options with you.

What are the Treatment Options for TMJ?

TMJ treatment may vary depending on the particular symptoms and the patient’s condition. Depending on the severity of your TMJ diagnosis, you may be able to use home remedies including:

  • Anti-inflammatory and pain medications (aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen)
  • Eating softer foods
  • Avoiding hard candies and chewing gum
  • Avoiding stress
  • Periodically applying warm compresses to the affected areas

If your diagnosis is more severe, you may require a more aggressive treatment or therapy. Khanna Dentistry offers a wide variety of treatments for severe cases of TMJ including:

  • Splint therapy
  • Night guards
  • Bite correction procedures and
  • Botox

Why Use Botox for TMJ?

Many people experiencing TMJ disorder suffer from moderate to severe levels of facial pain, headaches, migraines, and stress. Botox® can be used to relieve these symptoms. Botox® injected into the affected area blocks the nerve signals and relaxes the muscles that cause the pain. The treatment only takes a few minutes, and the results may last up to three months. Some individuals may require a series of Botox® TMJ treatments. The treatments will help them to maintain the relaxation of their jaw muscles over a longer period of time resulting in the cure of TMJ disorder.

 

Khanna Dentistry offers complimentary consultations for Botox® TMJ treatments. Dr. Khanna is a highly trained and experienced cosmetic dentist with an in depth understanding of facial structure and musculature which makes him exceptionally qualified to provide TMJ therapy.