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"TMJ" stands for temporomandibular joints, which are located on each side of your jaw. These joints help you chew your food, speak properly, yawn, and flash your beautiful smile. They are very complex since they move in multiple directions, making them more susceptible to inflammation, injury, and pain, causing many people to suffer from TMJ disorder.
Experienced dentist Dr. Richard Blackburn of Volterra Dental in Los Alamitos, California, provides comprehensive TMJ therapies and treatments, such as Botox injections, to help relieve TMJ pain and get you back to your normal daily routine.
Symptoms of TMJ disorder
People who have TMJ disorder may experience:
- Popping or clicking of the jaw
- Pain in the jaw or neck areas
- Earaches
- Headaches
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Locking of the jaw joint
They may also feel as though their bite is simply off and not working properly when they eat.
TMJ treatment options
There are many treatment options for TMJ disorder, including oral appliance therapy or orthodontic treatment to help realign the jaw. A mouth guard used at night can help stop teeth clenching and grinding during sleep — this unconscious oral habit is known as bruxism and can cause significant damage to your TMJs and teeth. Your dentist can also suggest lifestyle changes to eliminate bad habits, such as chewing on hard objects and poor posture. Stress reduction techniques can also help relieve symptoms, but there is a newer, more effective method for treating TMJ disorder: Botox.
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New Patients: (562) 501-3188 | Existing Patients: (562) 596-7484
Botox for TMJ
Botox has shown to be highly effective in treating TMJ disorder, and a study conducted in 2012 found that this type of treatment can significantly decrease pain and increase proper mouth movements for up to three months after each treatment. Depending on your situation, Botox will be injected into your jaw muscles, temple, and forehead, relieving pain and reducing muscle spasms, jaw tension, teeth grinding, and other symptoms. With this treatment, you’ll also find you’ll be able to sleep better with a reduced frequency of headaches and earaches.
TMJ treatment in Los Alamitos, CA
If you suspect you may have TMJ disorder, Dr. Richard Blackburn and the team at Volterra Dental offer various types of treatments for this condition, including Botox injections. We will evaluate your situation after a full examination and help determine if treatment with Botox is right for you. Schedule your consultation with our Los Alamitos office today! Call (562) 501-3188.