Del Mar TMJ/TMD Treatment

Get Help for Jaw Pain & Discomfort

TMJ/TMD Treatment in Del Mar

If you’re experiencing jaw pain and discomfort, these are signs of TMJ/TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). This condition can negatively affect your day-to-day life and can lead to a number of other oral health issues. Schedule an appointment your dentist in Del Mar today if you have a painful jaw or difficulties chewing and opening your mouth. 

About TMJ/TMD

Understanding the Basics

The terms TMJ and TMD are typically used interchangeably to refer to a disorder of the temporomandibular joint. This is the small, complex joint located next to each of your ears, and it attaches the jaw to the skull.
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This joint is very delicate and can be damaged by a number of different things, including overuse (chewing gum excessively), inflammation, trauma from a facial injury, or even some types of autoimmune disorders like arthritis. This damage, in turn, results in temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD).

Signs & Symptoms

Recognizing TMJ/TMD

The signs and symptoms of TMJ/TMD can vary depending on the cause of your disorder. However, there are some common symptoms present in the majority of TMJ/TMD cases:

• Pain that is radiating from the jaw, particularly near the ear, is a common indicator of TMJ/TMD.
• Intense headaches are also common as a result of jaw pain from TMJ/TMD.
• You may experience aching, pain, and tenderness when chewing or attempting to open your mouth wide.
• In more serious cases of TMJ/TMD, a patient may even experience lockjaw and be unable to open their mouth completely.
• Clicking and popping sounds as well as grinding issues may occur when opening your mouth.
• Muscle spasms are rare, but may occur as part of TMJ/TMD.

Your Options

Treatments for TMJ/TMD

Since there are many causes of TMJ/TMD, treatment plans vary from patient to patient. During your consultation at our Del Mar office,will discuss your symptoms and examine your mouth and jaw to determine the cause of your condition. This will help him develop a treatment plan to address your specific case.
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In some cases, minor TMJ/TMD can be resolved with rest and anti-inflammatory medications, and lifestyle changes. For example, if grinding your teeth at night (bruxism) has led to your TMJ/TMD, we can help create a night guard that will protect your teeth and jaws. This appliance is designed to move your temporomandibular joint into a healthier position at night, encouraging healing of the joint.

Botox can also be helpful for patients experiencing TMJ to provide temporary relief from jaw pain. For patients who suffer from TMJ/TMD due to inflammation, corticosteroid injections to the joint may be a good option and can help relieve pain and discomfort. Surgical intervention to repair or restore the joint is typically a last resort, and is only used if all other treatments have not provided any relief.

TMJ Relief

Botox

At our dental studio in Del Mar, we provide a comprehensive range of treatment options to address TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) symptoms. While Botox injections are one effective solution we offer, we understand that every patient's needs are unique. Our experienced dental professionals take a personalized approach, exploring various therapies to alleviate jaw pain, discomfort, and associated symptoms.

Botox can be a valuable tool in our TMJ treatment arsenal, providing temporary relief from muscle tension and spasms. As skilled Botox providers, our dentists have an in-depth understanding of facial anatomy and can administer precise injections to target the affected muscles. This can result in reduced jaw clenching, bruxism (teeth grinding), and associated discomfort, leading to a more comfortable and natural-looking outcome. However, Botox is just one option among many. Our team will thoroughly evaluate your condition and work closely with you to develop a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals.