Imagine you’re sitting around the dining room table with friends and family. As you open your mouth to take a bite, you feel a stabbing pain in your jaw that spreads into your ear. This isn’t the first time this has happened to you. What is going on you ask yourself? The problem may be TMD, or temporomandibular joint dysfunction, which is a disorder of the joints that connect your lower jaw to your temporal bone. Place your fingers on either side of your face just in front of your ears and you can feel these joints working when you open and close your mouth. Normally, these joints operate smoothly. However, if they do not, then there can be serious pain. TMJ treatment in Dublin, OH, is possible with Botox® injections from Dr. Eric Buck at Distinctive Smiles.
Signs and Symptoms of TMJ
Beyond the pain that you may feel when you open or close your mouth, there several other recognizable signs of TMJ dysfunction. For instance, many sufferers hear a popping or clicking sound when the jaw moves. Others experience ear pain, as well as headaches and neck and shoulder pain. Some notice swelling along the side of their face, while others often feel as if the jaw is locked in place.
Why Do You Have TMJ?
Doctors and dentists don’t know for certain why some people have TMJ, but a likely reason is bruxism, more commonly known as teeth grinding and clenching. Bruxism places an unnatural amount of pressure on the temporomandibular joints. And because teeth grinding and clenching usually happen at night while you’re sleeping, this can be a very difficult habit to break on your own.
Treating TMJ with Botox in Dublin, OH
Botox is a brand name for the botulinum toxin, which is a protein that a certain bacterium produces. Studies and trials show that this protein causes muscle paralysis. You’ve probably heard of Botox® injections to eliminate facial lines and wrinkles; by paralyzing facial muscles, the appearance of wrinkles is reduced. However, recently, Botox has become accepted for treating TMJ symptoms. Botox® injections relax the jaw muscles, thereby preventing unconscious teeth grinding and clenching. Often, pain is eliminated or greatly reduced.
Call for TMJ Treatment in Dublin, OH
If you’ve been diagnosed with TMJ and other common methods of treatment haven’t worked, then consider Botox injections from the dentist in Dublin, OH. Our dental office serves patients from many surrounding areas, including Hilliard, Powell, Plain City, Marysville, and all areas of Columbus.