JAW PAIN TREATMENT

The Temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are located on each side of the head just in front of the ears. TMJ is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. Multiple conditions can affect the TMJ, causing Temporomandibular disorder (TMD). TMD pain can be experienced in the jaw joints as well as in the muscles that control jaw movement. Some symptoms are pain in or around your ear, ringing in the ear, dizziness, facial pain, headaches and neck or shoulder aches, swelling on the side of face, tenderness in jaw, tired facial muscles, jaw pain while chewing or yawning, difficulty opening mouth wide, jaws that gets locked, jaw pain aggravating in morning or late afternoon, clicking or grinding noises when you open and close your mouth, and tooth sensitivity without dental problems. Because there are other conditions with similar symptoms, patients are advised to see the dentist for diagnosis.

TMJ Disorder treatment (TMD treatment)

Many cases show that TMD can be treated with simple self-care practices and conservative treatments. M Dental Group offers nonsurgical treatments.

• Medications

Medication helps relieve the pain associated with TMJ orders. There are three type of medications; pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, trycylic antidepressants (in low dose, certain antidepressants help relief pain, bruxism control and sleeplessness), and muscle relaxants. Dentist will tailor prescription based on the patient’s health history and conditions.

• Mouth guards / Night guards (Occlusal appliances)

These appliances are soft or firm device that is worn over the teeth. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) states the effectiveness of guards for TMD does not show significant relief, however, may cases show guards have been effective for people with bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching).

• Botox injections

For some patients, injecting Botox (botulinum toxin type A) into specific facial/jaw muscles can be an alternative treatment for TMD. The Botox is injected into facial muscles afflicted with TMD, and the Botox only affects the areas injected to be relaxed. Botox treatment is not a permanent treatment, meaning the patient may need to continue Botox treatments or other TMD treatments as the effectiveness of the Botox injection wears off.

For cases where surgery or other irreversible procedures is needed, we recommend you to talk with your doctor and make sure to get a second opinion first.