TMJ Treatment Elba
No More Jaw & Head Pain
Tired of waking up with a sore jaw that you can’t move or frequent headaches? Dr. Timothy Jackson’s decades of experience and training make him the local expert at diagnosing and treating TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, disorder (TMD). Schedule a consultation with our Elba dental team today.
Why Choose Timothy M. Jackson, DMD for TMJ Treatment?
- Custom-Made Occlusal Splints Crafted From Digital Impressions
- BOTOX For Fast Relief from TMJ Pain
- Multiple Payment Options Available for Greater Affordability
The Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
The most common symptoms associated with TMJ disorder include:
- Pain throughout the jaw, neck, or face
- Earaches
- Frequent headaches
- Inability to chew thoroughly
- Clicking or popping noise when opening your mouth
- Jaw locks up when opening or closing your mouth
- Discomfort felt throughout your shoulders
If you notice any of these signs, seeking treatment right away is essential if you want to avoid chronic pain. Failing to see your dentist can lead to a decline in daily activity and eventually, your quality of life.
How We Diagnose TMJ Problems
Diagnosing TMJ requires that you meet Dr. Jackson for a scheduled consultation. He will evaluate the status of your jaw using high-resolution dental imaging, identifying the problem area and how best to treat it.
BOTOX® for TMJ Treatment
BOTOX® injections help alleviate jaw pain and headaches so that you experience temporary relief for several months. The process only requires about 30 minutes and involves Dr. Jackson carefully injecting the solution into the muscles supporting your jaw. This will relax the area and relieve strain so you do not experience discomfort. Although it cannot “cure” TMJ/TMD, it can help by temporarily curbing your symptoms, and side-effects are extremely rare. Here’s a quick look at how the team at our Elba dental practice can treat jaw pain with BOTOX®, but please feel free to contact our office if you’d like to know more or schedule an appointment.
What Is BOTOX®?
BOTOX® injections include a small amount of botulinum toxin, which is a bacterial byproduct that has a paralytic effect on muscles. By injecting this solution into the overstrained muscles supporting a troubled TMJ joint, we can help them relax and reduce the tension that is causing pain. BOTOX® can also be used to address cosmetic issues like motion-related wrinkles. The injection process takes only a few minutes, and results typically take between five and ten days to set in. The effects of BOTOX® can last for several months, and the treatment can be safely readministered as needed to maintain the results. After receiving injections, you will be able to resume your daily activities without disruptive side effects. Dr. Jackson will be sure to speak with you before the treatment so he can understand the severity of your symptoms and how many injections will be needed to address your discomfort.
Are You a Good Candidate for BOTOX® for TMJ Treatment?
You may be an excellent candidate for BOTOX® if you experience symptoms like:
- Pain and tenderness around the jaw
- Clicking or popping sounds when you move your jaw
- Earaches or persistent ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
- Pain in the neck or back
- Trouble eating
- Pain behind the eyes
- Difficulty moving the mouth
- Change in bite alignment
While BOTOX® can be a fantastic way to address the pain caused by TMJ disorders, it cannot truly fix the problem since it does not address the underlying causes.
How Can BOTOX® Treat TMJ Disorder?
BOTOX® injections can help treat TMJ disorder by relaxing the stressed muscles supporting the jaw joints, and research has shown that it can significantly reduce pain and relieve symptoms. After receiving BOTOX® injections, you may find that you have fewer headaches, sleep better, and are less likely to grind your teeth in your sleep.
Occlusal Splints
Using an occlusal splint to treat TMJ enables your jaw to move into a more comfortable position so that you experience relief from muscle tension throughout the night. These custom oral appliances also prevent teeth grinding and clenching and produce a more evenly distributed bite so that you no longer suffer from enamel wear and tear.