TMJ disorder is a literal pain in the neck, if you suspect you have this common dental problem you need to see a dentist. The following set of frequently asked questions will help you learn more about this painful condition.
What is TMJ disorder?
TMJ disorder occurs when the joints on both sides of your head develop problems. These problems can cause headaches, neck pain, ear pain, jaw pain, facial pain, and tooth pain.
What symptoms occur with TMJ?
Dental problems like TMJ disorder have very complex and painful symptoms. The most common symptoms of TMJ disorder would include pain in the joint of the jaw, ear pain, headaches, and tooth pain. People with TMJ disorder may also experience a popping, clicking, or grinding sound when they extend their jaw, chew, or yawn.
What causes TMJ disorder?
As with most dental problems, there are a number of things that can cause TMJ disorder. The common cause of this disorder would include arthritis, dislocation, clenching, grinding, misalignments, and cartilage wear and tear.
How is TMJ disorder treated?
This dental problem is treated with a variety of therapies. The
treatments for TMJ would include mouth guards, dental splints, jaw exercises and bite therapy.
What is TMJ surgery?
TMJ surgery occurs when other treatments like mouth guards or bite therapy fail. There are two surgeries used, one is called arthrocentesis and the other is called arthroplasty. Arthrocentsis removes fluid from the TMJ. Arthroplasty involves repositioning of the disk or sometimes joint replacement.
Are BOTOX® injections used to treat TMJ disorder?
Surprisingly, BOTOX® injections are used to treat problems with the TMJ. Injections of BOTOX® Cosmetic relax the muscles surrounding the joint often eliminating headaches and lock jaw. The procedure itself is simply, a few injections are made in and around the TMJ and for many this provides instant relief.