Jaw pain can consume your life. When you feel constant and unavoidable head and jaw discomfort, it becomes difficult to go about your days. Our experienced dentists offer a wide range of solutions to chronic jaw pain. Schedule an appointment for an individual jaw pain evaluation and an opportunity to learn which treatment could be ideal for your needs. Patients who haven’t found relief with night guards or lifestyle adjustments have seen excellent results with Botox injections for the jaw.
These symptoms can be due to non-TMD-related health problems, but only your dentist can diagnose you and relieve your pain.
TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint, the area connecting your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull (at the temporal bone). The temporomandibular joint controls many of your jaw functions, especially the way you chew and bite your teeth. The joint itself may be experiencing a problem and causing you pain. This is known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and can result from stress, chronic jaw clenching, and teeth grinding.
While Botox is more commonly known as a cosmetic treatment, it originated as a medical solution. It is incredibly effective in treating jaw pain, even when other treatment methods haven’t made a difference. This is because we’re able to directly target the muscles responsible for your pain.
Dr. Montalvo and Dr. Andrade are experts in facial musculature from their decades of practicing dentistry. They have also trained in advanced jaw injection techniques to provide predictable, effective treatments to their patients. Request a free consultation to learn whether Botox could be appropriate for your jaw pain.
Countless adults (the majority) suffer from bruxism, chronic teeth grinding. The insidious aspect of bruxism is that patients generally don’t realize they are grinding. It tends to be subconscious. Have you ever caught yourself clenching while concentrating or working hard? We are most susceptible to bruxism while sleeping, when our jaws can grind unchecked. Grinding is terrible for your enamel, and can wear down teeth, create sensitivity, irritate gums and cause gum recession, bring on jaw pain, and disturb your partner’s sleep.
Your dentist will be able to recognize the telltale signs of bruxism after examining your teeth, and will recommend a night guard. This hard plastic tray will create a barrier between your upper and lower teeth while sleeping. Your night guard will be custom-made from an impression of your teeth, and will fit perfectly. A night guard will even last up to ten years.
Behaviorally, there are several exercises you can do to stop grinding. Try training your jaw to be free and easy; there’s no reason for it to be clenched throughout the day. Don’t chew gum or non-food objects (take that pen out of your mouth!) Alcoholic and caffeinated drinks also increase the chance that you will grind.
If you have chronically sore or lopsided-feeling jaws, you may need an occlusal adjustment. An adjustment will correct your bite alignment, which can become misaligned from loose, overly crowded, shifting, or missing teeth. An even bite (proper occlusion) will distribute pressure evenly and your teeth will meet correctly. Your dentist will scan your mouth to record bite registrations and uncover irregularities. This will allow your dentist to make a precise occlusal adjustment. An occlusal adjustment is simple and only slightly uncomfortable. Your dentist will use a dental drill to file teeth. Mouthpieces will also be used to protect your teeth and help relax your jaw.
*Individual experiences may vary. No specific treatment results guaranteed.