At StarImage Dentistry, our approach to TMJ treatment goes beyond quick fixes. As a comprehensive dental practice in Wichita Falls, we evaluate how your bite, jaw joints, and muscles work together before recommending care. While options like muscle relaxer injections can provide temporary symptom relief, we also offer dental treatments designed to address the underlying causes of TMJ and support longer-lasting comfort and function.

Causes of TMJ

TMJ or TMD could be caused by a variety of different things. Sometimes, there is an issue with the actual joint, and other times the painful TMJ symptoms could be caused by inflamed muscles around the joint. Here are some common causes of TMJ.

  • Joint Inflammation
  • Muscle Inflammation
  • Injury
  • Chronic clenching or grinding of teeth
  • Arthritis
  • Fractures
  • Dislocations
  • Structural problems since birth

Stress, a poor diet, and a lack of sleep contribute to making TMJ and its symptoms worse.

How Muscle Relaxer Injections Can Help

Muscle relaxer injections are a safe, non-invasive, temporary option for treating TMJ symptoms or for people who experience jaw pain and migraine headaches. During a muscle relaxer injections procedure, our Wichita Falls dentist will identify the masseter muscle, the muscle responsible for chewing, by having you clench your jaw. Several small injections will be placed into the masseter muscle causing it to relax. In its relaxed state, you’ll experience relief from the painful TMJ symptoms since there is no longer stress or tension.

Don’t worry; using muscle relaxer injections to treat TMJ won’t affect your smiling or chewing! This quick pain-relief procedure can usually be completed in 10 – 20 minutes. It is possible to experience discomfort from the treatment at the injection sites, but any soreness is brief and minimal. There may be mild temporary bruising, numbness, or redness around the injection sites for a short period of time.

Focused on Long-Term TMJ Solutions

While muscle relaxer injections can be helpful for short-term symptom relief, they are not a permanent solution for TMJ. At StarImage Dentistry, our dental care is focused on correcting the underlying causes of jaw pain, not just calming the symptoms. Depending on your needs, treatment may include bite therapy, custom oral appliances, neuromuscular approaches, or restorative dentistry. These treatments are designed to improve jaw function, reduce strain on the joints and muscles, and support long-term comfort and stability.

If you’re looking for a solution to your TMJ, call StarImage Dentistry for a consultation at 940-322-2252. We can treat your TMJ and get you back to a pain-free life. Contact your Wichita Falls neuromuscular dentist to schedule your appointment today.