Located on both sides of the head at the point where the jawbone meets the skull, the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) is used during talking, eating, swallowing, and other everyday activities. If this joint becomes displaced or is overworked through excessive teeth grinding, a person may suffer severe tension headaches, as well as sharp pain in the jaw.
TMJ Disorder Treatments
Occlusal Splints For TMJ Disorders
Dr. Carano offers a combination of treatment options for TMJ disorders including occlusal splits. For this treatment, a custom occlusal splint is lab fabricated for the patient to wear every night to provide joint stabilization, protect the teeth, redistribute the occlusal forces, relax the elevator muscles, and decrease bruxism.
Botox For TMJ Disorders
As an additional treatment option for patients with TMJ Disorders, Dr. Carano also offers BOTOX ®, which is used as an adjunct treatment for TMJ (temporo-mandibular joint) disorders and associated jaw tension and pain. When injected into facial muscles afflicted with soreness and discomfort, BOTOX® relieves TMJ and jaw tension for many patients. The injections often reduce headaches resulting from teeth grinding, and, in cases of severe stress, BOTOX® can even minimize lock jaw. Although BOTOX® treatment for these conditions is presently experimental, evidence indicates that it can be extremely effective.
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