TMJ Treatment Find Relief From Jaw Joint Pain & TMJ Disorders

The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, connects the lower jaw to the skull and is located on either side of the head in front of the ears. When this joint does not function properly, it can cause mild to severe discomfort that makes it difficult to eat, speak, or even move the jaws at all.

Dr. Aynechi at Beverly Hills Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implants offers many treatment options for patients experiencing TMJ disorders, including both surgical and non-surgical techniques. If your TMJ is causing ongoing pain or if you wish to explore your treatment options, contact us to schedule a consultation with our dual-degree, board-certified oral surgeon. We look forward to helping you find relief from your TMJ pain and improving jaw function.

What Causes TMJ Pain?

TMJ pain often occurs when the jaws are not properly aligned, but in many cases, the exact cause of a TMJ disorder is not known. Bite problems can cause the jaw joint to function improperly and cause excess wear on the teeth. Some patients experience TMJ pain following an injury to the jaw or face, while others develop TMJ pain over time.

Stress and anxiety can also cause TMJ pain. When we are stressed, we may unknowingly clench or grind our teeth, and facial muscles can tighten. This puts strain on the temporomandibular joint, which can cause inflammation, pain, and headaches.

Fortunately, there are many approaches to treating a TMJ disorder, regardless of the cause. Orthodontics can correct a misaligned bite and improve the overall alignment of your smile, while a surgical approach may be necessary to treat severe cases or injuries to the joint.

Symptoms of a TMJ Disorder

People experience TMJ disorders differently. Mild cases may cause discomfort that comes and goes, while a severe TMJ problem may cause chronic pain. Symptoms of a TMJ disorder may include:

• Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
• Jaw or facial pain
• Pain or a tired jaw when eating
• Headaches
• Jaw popping or clicking when opening and closing the mouth
• Earaches
• Ringing in the ears
• Bite changes
• Difficulty moving the jaw side to side or forward and back
• Pain when touching the TMJ area

Addressing a TMJ disorder when symptoms first appear can prevent the problem from progressing. If left untreated, a TMJ disorder can significantly interfere with your ability to live a comfortable life. We encourage you to contact Beverly Hills Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implants so that we can address your TMJ pain and help you find relief.

Treatment for TMJ Disorders

There are a variety of ways to manage a TMJ disorder, and the right treatment for you will depend on the severity of your condition. During your first visit, Dr. Aynechi will use 3D scans of your mouth and head to evaluate your facial anatomy and the bones and tissues surrounding the temporomandibular joint.

Non-Surgical TMJ Treatment

When treating TMJ disorders, we almost always try conservative approaches first. These non-invasive techniques have proven to be effective for many patients and can eliminate the need to undergo a surgical procedure.

• Oral medications, such as pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, or muscle relaxants
• Oral splint
• Night guard
• Physical therapy
• Stress management, which may include counseling, meditation, or medication

Surgical TMJ Treatment

If conservative methods fail, surgery may be necessary. Prior to any type of procedure, we will help you choose the right anesthesia option to ensure your comfort.

• Arthrocentesis, which involves inserting a small needle into the joint and irrigating it to remove debris and inflammatory byproducts
• Corticosteroid injections
• BOTOX^® injections
• Arthroscopy, which involves inserting a small camera so your surgeon can see inside the TMJ, then wash out and/or perform surgery to the joint
• TMJ arthroplasty, or open joint surgery

BOTOX for TMJ Disorders

BOTOX injections can be an effective way to treat TMJ disorders for some patients. BOTOX temporarily prevents nerve cells from reaching your muscles, essentially paralyzing the muscle so that it does not contract. Cosmetically, BOTOX is used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the face by preventing facial muscles from contracting. In a similar fashion, BOTOX can be used to relieve and prevent TMJ pain by helping the muscles surrounding the joint to relax.

The results of one BOTOX injection last for about 3 months, so repeat injections are often recommended to provide continuous relief. By helping the muscles surrounding the temporomandibular joint relax, you may experience:

• Less frequent or less intense headaches
• Better sleep
• Less tooth sensitivity
• Less anxiety or stress

Plus, when your jaw muscles are relaxed, you can prevent excessive wear on your teeth. One BOTOX injection only takes a few minutes and there is no downtime, so you can manage your TMJ symptoms and carry on with your normal routine right after your appointment. Contact us to learn more about BOTOX for TMJ and how we can help you find relief from your jaw joint pain.