TMJ

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What is TMJ?

The medical condition TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) involves problems with your temporomandibular joint.  

Your jaw hinge joint connects your skull bones to your jaw allowing you to chew your food, swallow, kiss, sing, and talk. 

It is one of the most used joints in your body and just like your knee, it has cartilage and meniscus which act as shock absorbers for the bones.   

What causes TMJ?

TMJ might be associated with jawbone, ligament or muscle complications due to various factors, such as: 

  • Accident, trauma, or injury to your jaw, or neck (whiplash) 
  • Inflammation from certain medical conditions 
  • Stress, jaw clenching, and teeth grinding and head posture 
  • Arthritis 

Some of the more serious complications of TMJ include bone damage, face changes, locked jaw, bite shifting, and difficulty chewing. Jaw popping and clicking happen when the meniscus gets shifted out of position leading to compression on the nerves and wear on the bone.  

What are the symptoms of TMJ?

The main symptoms of TMJ include moderate to severe pain, discomfort, and soreness in the jaw hinge joint in front of the ear and pain in the ear, neck, head and jaw. 

You might have other TMJ symptoms, such as: 

  • Clicking, grating, and popping sounds coming from your jaw joint when you move it 
  • Toothaches 
  • Pain and tenderness in the hinge joint spreading to the ears, neck, and shoulders 
  • Issues when you attempt to open your mouth wide 
  • Locked jaw 
  • Earaches, tinnitus, and dizziness 
  • Facial swelling 
  • Difficulty chewing 
  • headaches and migraines 
  • bite shifting 
  • facial asymmetry 

 You might also have hearing difficulty or hear ringing noises in your ears (tinnitus). 

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How is TMJ treated?

The ZapZzz Specialist offers effective treatments for TMJ, depending on the cause and severity. Treatment is aimed at the mechanical cause of the problem, just like it would be for a knee problem.   

Oral appliances are often needed to realign the lower jawbone and disk.  They can also be used to balance out misaligned bites and take pressure off of the pain sensitive area within the jaw joint.  Although they may look similar to a nightguard they are designed differently and require additional skill and monitoring of them.  Nightguards are meant only to protect the teeth from wear and may in some cases worsen TMJ problems and sleep apnea.  There are many different types of oral appliances and The ZapZzz Specialist and the Team have effectively together delivered over 10,000 oral appliances giving them the expertise to know how best to address your problem.  

In some cases, Our TMJ Specialist might offer medications, such as anti-inflammatories, nerve medications and muscle relaxants. Jaw exercises are also an important part of your treatment.  

The ZapZzz team also provides referrals to physical therapy, massage therapy, osteopathic, and chiropractic providers. We find that jaw disorders are commonly associated with other musculoskeletal problems such as neck, shoulders, back and hips.   

In about 1% of cases will require a more significant surgical procedure in which you will be referred to a TMJ surgeon for combined care.  Also, in some cases the position that the teeth bite holds the jaw causes stress and tension into the TMJ, and it is then necessary to correct the bite.   

If you’re tired of hurting and these symptoms are affecting your quality of life, call the TMJ Orofacial Disorders Center today.  There are effective solutions to your problem.

TMJ Botox treatment

Botox® is the revolutionary nonsurgical treatment that can reduce your TMJ pain in a quick and convenient lunchtime visit. At ZapZzz TMJ / Sleep apnea Specialist , highly qualified dentist and TMJ and orofacial pain specialist Our Providers  has been safely and effectively using Botox Therapy. ZapZzz Providers offers Botox to give you relief, relax your muscle tension, and ease your pain. Discover this worthwhile treatment by calling the ZapZzz TMJ Sleep apnea or click to book your personal consultation online. 

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How does Botox work?

Botox is a medication derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The bacterium produces a specific toxin. When injected in precise, safe, and minor doses to certain muscles in diluted amounts, the toxin relaxes the muscles and blocks signaling from your nerves to your muscles.  It also calms the Trigeminal Nerve causing the pain. 

How does Botox treat TMJ? 

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a condition affecting your jaw-hinge joint connecting your jawbone to your skull. TMJ disorder refers to pain, inflammation, and limited mobility in your jaw joint and in the muscles controlling your jaw movement. TMJ is often caused or worsened by muscle tension and tightness in the surrounding area. 

With Botox, the temporary paralysis of muscle activity is especially beneficial for treating TMJ and relieving muscle tension, facial pain, headaches, and more.  

The toxin can soothe and relax tense muscles from stress or other causes. Botox can relieve your headache and any pain and soreness in your jaw hinge joint. Botox also works to minimize lockjaw. 

Botox is a quick in-office treatment and takes less than half an hour. Our ZapZzz Providers injects Botox with a fine needle. There might be some tolerable and mild discomfort, but most people don’t report any discomfort. 

Who is a good candidate for Botox?

Most adults are good candidates for Botox treatments. During your personal consultation, The ZapZzz Specialist and Team can answer your questions and give you detailed information, so you know what to expect. 

If you’re breastfeeding, pregnant, or if you have a neurological disease, you’re not a good candidate for Botox. 

What can I expect following my Botox treatment?

Following your Botox treatment, there’s no downtime and you can return to your day immediately. Most people don’t report any symptoms. 

Make sure you don’t rub or otherwise irritate the treated area for about 12 hours after treatment. 

It can take a few days for you to notice the full benefits and pain relief from Botox, though you might experience some relief right away. 

Your muscle function returns over time and your pain and soreness might also return. Additional Botox treatments can help you to manage your pain and continue your relief. Our Providers can also work with you to treat any underlying inflammation that could be worsening your condition.  

Uncover how Botox can improve your quality of life and diminish your TMJ pain by calling the TMJ Orofacial Disorders Center or book online today. 

 

Beyond treatment, comprehensive support and education An estimated 5 to 12% of adults in the United States suffer from TMJ, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. At ZapZzz, skilled TMJ Specialist, we knows that TMJ isn’t just a painful jaw. TMJ often involves frustrating headaches, ear symptoms, jaw popping and neck pain hampering your daily life. Our ZapZzz Professional Doctor and Dental Specialist. and compassionate medical professionals offer solutions to help you find relief.

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