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 BOTOX® Can Help

BOTOX® is a safe, non-invasive, temporary option for treating TMJ symptoms or for people who experience jaw pain. During a BOTOX® procedure, your 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 BOTOX® 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.

This quick, non-invasive TMJ treatment allows you to return to your normal activities in no time. Contact your Wichita Falls neuromuscular dentist to schedule your appointment today. 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.