TMJ / TMD Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)
A healthy jaw joint is vital to your overall oral health. When the joint, known as the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is stressed, strained, or damaged, you may experience significant damage to your teeth and dental restorations. The trauma from a dysfunctional jaw joint harms the teeth, contributes to receding gums, and often results in chronic discomfort.
To address this common disorder, Dr. Harkin prescribes a removable oral appliance known as a splint. This non-surgical appliance provides relief from discomfort and provides protection for your teeth, gums, and dental restorations.
Could You Benefit from Splint Therapy?
The goal of splint therapy is to improve the functionality of the jaw joint and jaw muscles while protecting you from permanent damage. Aside from this main goal, splint therapy provides several benefits which can improve the overall quality of your life:
- Prevents or reduces chronic teeth grinding and clenching
- Improves sleep quality
- Reduces headaches, neck pain, and tension
- Reduces daytime jaw fatigue
- Reduces tooth sensitivity
- Extends the lifespan of dental work
- Improves jaw opening/range of motion
Botox Therapy for TMJ Disorders
Though Botox is widely recognized for its cosmetic benefits, it is also a safe, minimally invasive therapeutic technique for the management of TMJ discomfort. Without altering the appearance of your face or affecting your ability to speak and chew, Botox injections can effectively reduce the size of the large masseter muscle responsible for clenching and grinding. In time, the muscle can be “trained” to be less active for prolonged comfort.
Dr. Harkin has found great success with the use of Botox therapy for patients who suffer from the head and neck pain associated with TMJ disorders. Stress headaches and even lockjaw is often attributed to strong or overactive jaw muscles.
Is TMJ Botox Therapy Right for You?
Botox injections are most effective in adult patients who suffer from TMJ discomfort related to a strong or overactive masseter muscle. Patients who are seeking nonsurgical relief from clenching or grinding may find Botox injections beneficial as a standalone solution or when used in conjunction with a splint appliance.
Learn more about bite splint and Botox therapies. To determine if Botox therapy is the appropriate solution for your jaw discomfort, Dr. Harkin will evaluate your symptoms and speak with you about your overall health goals. She will also customize your Botox dosage to achieve the desired results.
Contact Dr. Harkin today to learn more about how these non-surgical TMJ treatments may be right for you.