TMJ treatment
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a small joint found in front of the ear. This joint allows the jaw to move and is the most constantly used joint in the human body. TMJ disorders can be minor or extremely painful and can be a result of many things, including poorly positioned jaws, emotional stress habits like teeth grinding or clenching, or injury.
Signs and symptoms of TMJ
Patients can experience a variety of symptoms and discomfort, so it is important to communicate with your oral surgeon about which symptoms you are experiencing and how much, if any, pain is associated with these symptoms. Our team at Beech & Reid Oral & Dental Implant Surgery will help you diagnose and treat your TMJ disorder in our state-of-the-art facility.
You may have TMJ problems if you experience any of the following:
- Painful clicking when opening or closing your mouth
- Tooth grinding or clenching
- Sore jaw muscles when waking up
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Frequent headaches or neck aches
- Pain in the TMJ area
- Locking of the jaw
To better assess your needs and treatment options, please contact our office to set up a consultation.
TMJ treatment
Our office wants to see you happy, healthy, and pain-free, which means we put our patients’ needs first. Dr. Beech and Dr. Reid will properly evaluate your TMJ condition and decide which treatment plan is right for you. Common treatments include:
- Pain reliever, anti-inflammatory agent, or muscle relaxant to relieve muscle spasm and joint pain.
- Self-care treatment, like keeping your teeth apart when you are not eating and practicing good posture.
- Stress management techniques or splints to fit over your top and bottom teeth to help keep your teeth apart at night.
- Customized appliances, like night guards or anterior positioning appliances, to relieve pressure on parts of your jaw and help you stop clenching or grinding your teeth.
- In severe cases, arthroscopy and open joint repair are recommended if the jaw cannot open or is dislocated and nonreducible.
BOTOX® for TMJ disorders
While BOTOX has many cosmetic uses, it is also used for other medical purposes because it paralyzes muscles in the area of injection. When injected into the temporomandibular joint, BOTOX can significantly reduce pain and allow the jaws to move more freely. This is an ideal solution for patients who experience headaches due to teeth grinding, suffer from jaw locking, or are looking for a minimally invasive treatment option.
Here at Beech & Reid Oral & Dental Implant Surgery, our oral surgeons will develop a personalized treatment plan that is ideal for you and your condition. Please contact our office and request a consultation if you are seeking TMJ treatment. We feel that keeping you informed is an excellent way to ensure you feel safe, calm, and comfortable while in our care.