Do you struggle with persistent jaw pain? It is possible that you are suffering from TMJ disorder, which may also be called TMD or simply TMJ. This complex problem can rob you of your enjoyment of daily activities. Fortunately, there are several forms of TMJ treatment in Manchester that may be able to help. Contact our team today to schedule your personalized TMJ consultation or learn more about what you can expect as a patient at Fromuth & Langlois Dental of Manchester.
TMD is a complex problem that affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which joins your mandible (lower jaw) to the rest of your skull. It plays a huge role in speaking, chewing, laughing, sneezing, and more. It is one of the most complex and important joints in the human body. Unfortunately, when it is injured, stressed, or overworked, it can lead to a range of unpleasant symptoms, including chronic pain and discomfort.
Jaw pain is just one potential symptom of TMD. You might also experience:
TMD can have dozens of symptoms, so it is often misdiagnosed by well-meaning physicians. If you suspect you have this condition, it is best to become a patient of a dentist in Manchester who has experience with treating it.
We’ll begin your treatment by performing a thorough evaluation. We will examine the positioning of your teeth, ask you about your symptoms, and try to determine the root cause of your pain. We may also take X-Rays to gain a deeper understanding of your TMJ’s health. After we become familiar with your situation, we will talk to you about your treatment options. Depending on your circumstances, we might recommend one of the following:
An occlusal splint is a custom oral appliance that is worn at night. It prevents nocturnal grinding and clenching, which commonly contribute to TMD symptoms. It might take a bit of time to adjust to your splint, but it shouldn’t be long before you notice a reduction in your pain.
A misaligned bite often contributes to TMD. In some cases, orthodontic treatment is necessary to correct the problem. In other cases, though, a much smaller adjustment is necessary. By slightly modifying the shape of your teeth, we may be able to create a more harmonious bite and relieve the stress on your TMJ.
TENS is an acronym that stands for “transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.” It is a machine that uses electrical currents to relieve pain and ease tension in the TMJ. Although the machine may not correct underlying anatomical causes of TMD, it can provide quick pain relief and be part of an overall treatment plan, especially if a stressful lifestyle is contributing to your discomfort.
Although BOTOX is usually thought of as a purely cosmetic treatment, it can also play a big role in relieving symptoms of TMJ disorder (TMD). It can relax the muscles around the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), preventing them from causing you discomfort. Whether it is used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other treatment options, patients often find powerful pain relief from BOTOX. The results of a BOTOX injection can last for several months.
BOTOX is the brand name of a diluted form of botulinum toxin. While the word “toxin” might sound scary, the reality is that BOTOX has some remarkable medical applications. When it is strategically injected into the muscles around the TMJs, it can restrict their movements and force them to relax. That relaxation can reduce muscle tension in the face and surrounding areas, leading to significant relief of TMD symptoms, such as headaches, jaw pain, and difficulty chewing.
The treatment usually takes less than one hour, and no downtime is required afterward. Most patients start to notice results within a week or two of their injections. The results may last for several months (typically 3 – 6 months, depending on the individual).
If you are experiencing symptoms of TMD, such as jaw pain, lock jaw, neck pain, back pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing, it is possible that BOTOX may be able to relieve your symptoms. It is especially helpful for individuals who struggle with bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching).
Of course, it is important to remember that BOTOX is not suitable for everyone who has symptoms of TMD. Our team will evaluate the situation and recommend a personalized treatment plan for you.
BOTOX treats TMD by relaxing the muscles around the jaw joints. This method has proven effective for many people. In fact, one study found that BOTOX improved symptoms in 90% of participants with TMD.
It is worth noting that while BOTOX can provide TMD pain relief, it is not meant to address the root cause of TMJ problems. It may need to be combined with other therapies, such as occlusal adjustments, to provide truly long-lasting relief.
What do you know about TMJ disorder? Do you have any concerns about the type of treatment that we have recommended? You’re free to ask anything that’s on your mind when you visit our team for a consultation. We’re more than happy to answer your questions in person, but we also realize that you may want to do some research on your own; if so, we invite you to read the following TMJ treatment FAQs.
A TENS machine uses low-voltage electric currents to help the muscles in your jaw relax, thus reducing symptoms of TMJ disorder. This form of treatment is considered safe for most people. However, it is not recommended for anyone who is pregnant, is suffering from epilepsy, or is currently struggling with cardiovascular problems. Our team can help you figure out whether TENS treatment is a good fit for you after reviewing your current health situation.
It should be noted that there are TENS machines that you can buy and use on your own. These machines typically utilize lower levels of electric frequency, so the chances of hurting yourself by accident are slim; that said, professional treatments are still the safer (and more reliable) option.
It depends on which treatment method you have selected. With a TENS machine, you’re likely to see an almost immediate improvement in your symptoms, although the results may only be temporary. As for BOTOX injections, it could be a matter of days before you start to experience relief, which may last for around three to six months.
If you undergo equilibration, it normally won’t take long to notice a difference, but the exact timeline varies based on the changes made. Finally, when it comes to occlusal splints, it can take weeks or even months of wearing the appliance to achieve lasting relief.
You may be nervous about the idea of having enamel removed from your teeth to correct alignment issues. However, we’ll do whatever we can to help you stay comfortable during the process. Sometimes we may use a local anesthetic to ensure that you don’t experience discomfort while your teeth are being worked on. Once the treatment is complete, there may be some soreness; it should fade on its own after a few days.
Many insurance companies will not include coverage for TMJ treatment unless specifically required to by the state. In the event that your plan does help pay for TMJ treatment, it’s important to make sure that you understand the details. For example, sometimes only certain types of treatment may be covered. On top of that, TMJ coverage may fall under medical insurance or dental insurance depending on the situation. Feel free to talk to our team if you have any insurance-related questions.