TMJ stands for Temporo-Mandibular Joint, a hinge-like structure connecting the lower jaw with the skull. These joints are located on both rear sides of the face just in front of the ears. The primary function of these joints is to help with jaw movement when you eat or speak.
A TMJ disorder, or TMD, is a problem with TMJs or surrounding muscles and ligaments. This problem can be identified by swelling or tenderness in the jaw, pain in the ears or surrounding facial area, and headache. This jaw joint issue occurs mainly because of an improper bite, trauma, arthritis, facial muscle problems, or wear and tear due to natural aging.
Table of Contents
Common TMJ Causes
The most common reason for TMJ disorders is an injury to the jaw joints or other tissues in the surroundings. Other causes of this problem include:
- Teeth grinding or clenching, also known as bruxism
- Arthritis
- Stress
- Displacement of the disc that lies between the socket joint and the ball
- Trauma to the joint
- Joint deterioration
- Bite issues
- Other injuries in or around the jaw
Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
A TMJ disorder is symptomatic of the following issues:
- TMJ pain
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw
- Pain in the cheekbones or around the ears
- Problem chewing foods due to pain in the joints and muscles around the jaw
- Facial pain
- TMJs become locked at times, making it difficult to move the lower jaw
A TMJ disorder may also cause a grafting sensation or a clicking sound when moving the jaw. In some cases, this particular symptom is not painful and doesn’t cause any problem when you move the lower jaw. Such a TMJ disorder doesn’t usually require any treatment. However, treatment becomes crucial if these chewing jaw noises accompany other irritating symptoms.
TMJ Disorder Treatment
In some cases, the symptoms of a TMJ disorder subside without any medical intervention. However, a dental visit may become crucial if symptoms do not disappear. At EuroMed Clinic Dubai, we use botox injections to treat TMJ disorders. Let’s have a brief look at how our practitioners provide this treatment.
What does the botox treatment for TMJ disorder involve?
Botox injections are a non-surgical, minimally invasive method to treat TMJs. It is an outpatient procedure that takes 10-30 minutes. You will need to get this treatment in at least three sessions over several months.
These injections are administered into the forehead, jaw muscles, and temple. The doctor may also inject Botox in other areas, depending on symptoms. After receiving the injections, you will feel some pain in the treated area. This pain usually resembles a prick or bug bite. You can use an ice pack or a numbing solution to ease the pain.
Post-Procedure Care
Because of its minimally invasive nature, botox-based TMJ therapy doesn’t necessitate an intense post-treatment care routine. However, it is necessary not to massage or rub the treated area for some hours after the treatment. This caution aims to prevent the injected toxin from spreading around. Moreover, be sure to remain upright for a day or two. Place two pillows under your head when sleeping.
Recovery and Results
After receiving the injections, you will feel some pain in the treated area. This pain generally resembles a prick or bug bite. You can use an ice pack to ease the pain. Even if you are not using an ice pack or a numbing solution, the pain will go away in a few hours or a day.
You can return to your work or other routine activities immediately after getting Botox treatment. This demonstrates how safe Botox treatment is for your TMJ problem.
Benefits
Botox for TMD is a highly effective treatment that helps relieve your problem without causing any significant side effects. Here is a list of some of the benefits of this treatment.
- Relaxed muscles around the jaw joint
- Decreased pain in the mouth and jaw
- Significant relief from teeth grinding, especially at night
- Reduced intensity and frequency of TMJ-related headaches
- Improved sleep quality
TMJ Disorders FAQs
Are there any home remedies to alleviate the pain in TMD?
Yes, you can try some simple home therapies and practice caution to reduce TMD symptoms. For example, you can eat soft foods, practice stress management, wear a mouth guard, limit jaw movements, and use hot or cold therapy to alleviate TMJ disorder symptoms.
How can a dentist treat TMJ?
Dentists use multiple treatment methods to help reduce TMJ pain and other symptoms. They may give you a dental device to wear for a specific number of hours a day. They also perform different jaw alignment treatments to fix the TMJ disorder permanently.
Can TMJ be fixed without surgery?
Yes, several treatment methods are available to fix TMJ disorder without surgery. Examples of those methods include Botox and a medicated bite wear.
Can TMJ cause other health problems?
Yes, TMD can lead to several chronic health problems, including:
Sleep disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, anxiety
Irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive health problems
Immune dysfunction
Fibromyalgia
Vertigo and sinusitis
Cardiac arrhythmia
Consult an Expert
A TMJ disorder can cause discomfort and overall bite misalignment. However, this problem is treatable. At EuroMed Clinic Dubai, we offer Botox-based TMJ treatment to relieve painful and irritating symptoms and help you improve your quality of life. For more information or to book a consultation, fill out the online form below.
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