TMJ Treatment Arlington Heights

Signs You Have a TMJ Problem

The most common sign that there is a problem with your TMJs is pain. Naturally, when attempting to eat or speak, you’ll feel extreme discomfort, but this is not the only symptom associated with TMJ. You might also experience:

• Clicking and popping of the jaw
• Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
• Frequent headaches
• Pain throughout the head, neck, and face
• Lockjaw
• Changes in your bite
• Fatigued jaw

Equilibration/Occlusal Adjustments

When your bite is the reason for your jaw pain, we can recommend equilibration and/or occlusal adjustment. This process involves altering one or more teeth to create a more even bite force, allowing for your mouth and jaw joints to move more fluidly. As a result, pressure will be taken off the joints so that you can experience less pain and improve oral function.

Occlusal Splints

If you grind your teeth at night (bruxism), and it is causing pain to form throughout your jaw, we can craft an occlusal splint. This unique device is custom-made to fit comfortably inside the mouth but also relieves any unnecessary pressure from the jaw joints. Instead of clenching throughout the night, the splint will absorb the tension, helping to create a more pain-free morning and night.

BOTOX for TMJ Treatment

If you have tired, overworked jaw muscles because of strain from a TMJ disorder, BOTOX for TMJ treatment in Arlington Heights can provide fast, effective relief that can last for up to four months. In just a 20-minute appointment, you can temporarily reduce painful TMJ disorder side effects like chronic migraines, muscle spasms, and jaw tension that can wreak havoc on your daily life.

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What Is BOTOX?

BOTOX is an injectable product made from the bacteria botulinum toxin in a safer form. You may already be familiar with its use in cosmetic treatments, but many patients are surprised to learn that it can also be extremely beneficial when injected into the overworked muscles in your jaw. BOTOX injections take about 20 minutes to receive from your dentist, and your results typically become fully active five and 10 days later, lasting for up to four months after that.

During your consultation, your dentist will evaluate your jaw and discuss your specific TMJ disorder symptoms. Based on this information, they will determine how many injections will help improve them. Once complete, you’ll be able to return to your daily activities with no down time.

Are You a Good Candidate for BOTOX for TMJ Treatment?

There are many painful symptoms associated with TMJ disorder, many of which can be lessened or temporarily alleviated with the help of BOTOX injections. These include:

• Jaw pain and tenderness
• Lockjaw or jaw stiffness
• A popping or clicking noise when you open and close your mouth
• Back, neck, and shoulder pain
• Pain or difficulty chewing
• Pain behind the eyes
• Changes in your bite
• Restricted movement of the mouth

BOTOX for TMJ treatment in Arlington Heights is also an excellent option for patients who grind their teeth (bruxism), and who experience jaw tension, facial pain, and even muscle spasms due to TMJ disorders. However, although it can be extremely beneficial for some patients, it is not ideal for everyone, as it is only a temporary solution and not a permanent fix.

How Can BOTOX Treat TMJ Disorder?

Although it’s not a cure, BOTOX for TMJ treatment in Arlington Heights is a safe, effective way to alleviate TMJ disorder pain by allowing the muscles surrounding your jaw joints to relax. In fact, recent studies have shown that 90 percent of patients experience relief when using this treatment. BOTOX injections can safely and effectively reduce the severity of TMJ disorder-related headaches, promote better sleep, and reduce the frequency and intensity of conditions like bruxism.