Do you wake up with jaw pain? Does it feel like your jaw sometimes makes eating hard or crunchy foods difficult?
You may have a TMJ disorder (TMD). TMJ disorders occur when the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) that connect the skull to the jaw bone are injured or under stress. TMJ disorders can create pain in the teeth and jaw and lead to teeth clenching and grinding. Our dental office provides TMJ treatment in Lansdale, PA, to help patients restore function and comfort to their smile.
Dr. Robin Chanen has advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorders and can provide comprehensive care with lasting results. The key to a long-term outcome is identifying and treating the underlying cause of your bite problem.
What are the Common Signs of TMJ?
Many patients with TMJ disorders experience the following:
- Teeth clenching and grinding
- Headaches and migraines
- Jaw pain and stiffness
- Pain or difficulty biting and chewing
Please get in touch with our office if you notice any of these issues or have dealt with chronic TMJ problems. It’s important to address symptoms before they worsen over time.
TMJ Treatment in Lansdale, PA
One of the most effective and conservative treatment options for a TMD is a nightguard. Custom-made nightguards are made of hard acrylic that covers the upper or lower tooth arch. Before we provide nightguards, we will test the bite to see which areas of the bite are uneven or worn. We will take dental impressions of the smile to ensure a custom fit.
Once the nightguard is complete, we will ensure it fits comfortably on the teeth and lays evenly against the uncovered upper or lower arch. Wearing a nightguard can prevent bruxism or teeth clenching and grinding. The nightguard can also prevent tooth wear and headaches that many patients experience from continual clenching and grinding during sleep.
We may also recommend physical therapy and a soft diet for patients with TMD. During physical therapy, patients learn how to stretch and relax muscles, contributing to TMD in the face, jaw, neck, shoulders, back, and arms. Poor posture can exacerbate symptoms, and attending physical therapy can help patients in their everyday lives. Sticking to a soft diet for several weeks can prevent jaw pain and dysfunction. Hard or crunchy foods can also strain the TMJ and jaw joints.
Botox For TMJ: advanced therapy for jaw pain.
Dr. Robin Chanen has been trained by the American Academy of Facial Aesthetics (AAFE) in Botox for facial aesthetics, TMJ, and Migraine headaches. She can provide advanced treatment for TMJ-related pain using therapeutic Botox. Strategic injections are placed in the jaw, temple, or forehead area to address chronic discomfort caused by muscle tension in the jaw joints.
Botox relaxes the muscles in targeted areas and can allow the jaw joints to function more normally. Botox for TMJ can provide relief for up to six months. When combined with other treatment modalities, such as a mouthguard for teeth grinding and exercises for the jaw, patients may experience more lasting relief from TMJ symptoms.
Am I a candidate for therapeutic Botox?
Dr. Chanen works with patients on an individual basis when treating a TMJ disorder. She will evaluate your oral health condition and medical history and discuss symptoms before recommending treatment. In most cases of chronic pain, therapeutic Botox is a viable treatment option.
Is therapeutic Botox painful?
The Botox injections cause minor discomfort, much like a pinprick, and are completed in just a few minutes. You may experience some minor redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection sites afterward but this resolves in a day or two. Patients are able to return to their daily routine after treatment.
Is Botox for TMJ covered by dental insurance?
In most cases, Botox for TMJ is not considered a covered treatment. We will help you determine any potential dental insurance benefits and file your claim after your visit. We also offer financing options with third-party healthcare lenders.
Can TMJ disorders go away on their own, or do they always require treatment?
Some TMJ disorders resolve on their own with rest, stress reduction, or simple home care like gentle jaw exercises. Mild symptoms often improve without professional intervention. However, persistent or severe pain usually requires treatment to manage effectively. If discomfort lasts longer than a few weeks or worsens, schedule a dental appointment so we can evaluate your condition.
Can TMJ cause ear pain or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)?
Yes, TMJ disorders commonly cause ear pain or ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Because the jaw joint is close to the ear canal, inflammation or tension in the jaw muscles often creates ear-related symptoms. Patients frequently mistake this for an ear infection or other issues. Addressing the TMJ usually improves these ear symptoms significantly.
How long does it take to see results from TMJ treatment?
The timeline for seeing results from TMJ treatment varies depending on severity and treatment method. Simple treatments like bite guards, exercises, or medication can provide relief within days to a few weeks. More complex treatments or chronic cases may take several weeks to a few months to see significant improvement. We’ll provide a clear expectation tailored to your condition and closely monitor your progress.
Can orthodontic treatment help with TMJ disorders?
Orthodontic treatment can help with TMJ disorders in many cases. When teeth alignment contributes to jaw joint problems, braces or clear aligners can correct bite issues that stress your TMJ. By achieving proper alignment, orthodontics can reduce muscle tension and joint strain. However, for some TMJ cases with different underlying causes, additional treatments might be necessary.
Schedule a dental appointment in Lansdale today.
Do you often experience pain or difficulty chewing? Do you wake up with headaches or jaw pain? Call Dental Health Group for a TMJ consultation today at (215) 774-6702. You may also request a dental appointment with our dental team online.