TMJ and other jaw disorders can make daily life difficult and even painful. When your jaw suffers damage or excessive strain, it can hurt to talk, chew, and brush your teeth. With TMJ treatment in Indianapolis, IN, many patients can find relief from common jaw disorder symptoms. When you go to see your dentist, they’ll examine your jaw and likely take X-Rays to determine which method of treatment is right for you.
Options for TMJ Treatment in Indianapolis, IN
If you suffer from a stiff jaw, pain in your face or neck, or jaw popping, it could be a case of TMJ disorder. When the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) becomes irritated or inflamed, it can cause limited jaw mobility and discomfort. There are many different dental and medical conditions that could lead to jaw disorders. The most common include grinding or clenching your teeth and malocclusion. Thankfully, there are treatment options available to help provide relief.
Custom Mouthguard
Many cases of TMJ disorder are caused by grinding or clenching your teeth at night. This puts an excess amount of strain on your jaw, often leading to pain and stiffness, especially in the morning. A custom nightguard could help. The material can soften the tension, helping to keep your jaw in alignment. For many patients, wearing a custom mouthguard at night can provide relief from pain and muscle stiffness throughout the day.
Botox Injections
When administered by a trained and certified dentist, Botox injections could also help. Botox is an FDA approved neurotoxin that acts as a muscle relaxing agent. When injected into the TMJ, it can help reduce swelling and inflammation. By relaxing the muscles in your jaw, you may experience temporary relief from TMJ symptoms. When using Botox as a treatment, you’ll likely need to get touch-up injections every few months to help keep your jaw relaxed.
Restorative Dentistry
If your jaw disorder is caused by malocclusion, you may be able to treat it using restorative dentistry. Crooked teeth, missing teeth, and damaged teeth can all put extra strain on your jaw when talking or chewing. Restorative treatment, such as dental crowns or implants, could help improve your bite and provide relief for your jaw. Before starting treatment, your dentist will examine your bite to determine which restoration method is right for you.
If you suffer from jaw pain, TMJ treatment may be able to help. At Dental Spa Indy, we provide a wide range of restorative treatments designed to improve your bite and reduce symptoms of TMJ disorder. Call us today at 866.486.0230 to schedule a consultation and learn more about our TMJ treatment options.