TMJ Disorder & Le Blanc’s Innovative Treatment Options

If you are suffering from frequent headaches, jaw aches, and/or aching facial pain, it could be Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, also known as TMJ or TMD.

What is the Temporomandibular Joint?

Your temporomandibular joint is a hinge that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull, which are in front of each ear. It lets you move your jaw up and down and side to side so you can talk, chew, and yawn. It is the most complex and used joint in the body, so it is no surprise that it frequently develops problems due to wear and tear, overextension, and injury.
Problems with your jaw and the muscles in your face that control it are known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD). You may also hear these problems called TMJ.

What Causes TMJ?

Most medical specialists believe TMJ symptoms arise from problems with your jaw muscles or parts of the joint itself. Injury to your jaw, the joint, or the muscles of your head and neck – like from a heavy blow or whiplash – can lead to TMJ. However, it is more common for TMJ Disorder to develop slowly over a longer period of time from causes such as:
  • Grinding or clenching your teeth puts a lot of pressure on the joint.
  • Movement of the soft cushion or disc between the ball and socket of the joint.
  • Arthritis in the joint.
  • Stress can cause you to tighten facial and jaw muscles or clench the teeth.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

TMJ Disorder usually causes severe pain. It can be temporary or last months or years if left untreated. It may affect one or both sides of your face and is most common in individuals between 20 and 40, with women experiencing it more often than men. If you have any of the symptoms below, you may have TMJ Disorder:
  • Jaws that click, grate, or make popping sounds when you open and close your mouth.
  • Jaws that get locked or stuck in the open or closed position.
  • Tenderness or pain in your face, jaw joint, neck and shoulders, or around your ears when you eat, speak, or open your mouth widely (as when you laugh).
  • Difficulty opening or closing your mouth.
  • Your face feels tired or frequently aches.
  • It feels like your upper and lower teeth aren’t fitting together correctly.
  • Swelling of the cheeks.
  • Chronic headaches, toothaches, or neck pain.
  • Dizziness, earaches, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and hearing loss.
If you have one or more of the above symptoms for any length of time, remember that early intervention is key. It is crucial to see one of our dentists for an evaluation of your temporomandibular joints. TMJ Disorder, if left untreated, can quickly deteriorate, leading to serious complications and damage to the joint and surrounding muscles and tendons. But with early intervention, we can preserve the joint, restore proper function, and relieve your pain.

Le Blanc’s TMJ Treatment Options

We offer three innovative solutions to address TMJ Disorder, each designed to provide relief and improve your quality of life. Depending on the severity of your discomfort, the source of the pain, and other factors, we will evaluate your jaw and temporomandibular joints thoroughly and determine the most effective option for you.

Bite Splint

We design and fabricate custom TMJ bite splints (occlusal splints) from impressions of your teeth. The finished splint covers some or all of your upper or lower teeth, guiding your jaws into proper alignment and limiting jaw movement while you sleep. The occlusal splints also stabilize the joint, allowing the surrounding muscles and tendons to relax, reducing pain.
There are many benefits of wearing a bite splint when sleeping, including:
  • Pain relief.
  • Improved jaw function.
  • Non-invasive.
  • Prevents additional joint damage.
  • Customizable for comfort.
  • Can be adjusted as your condition improves.

Laser Heat Therapy

Laser Heat Therapy for TMJ is often referred to as “low-level laser therapy” (LLLT), referring to the application of low-intensity, focused laser light on injured joints. This non-invasive procedure reduces inflammation and relieves pain in the temporomandibular joint by stimulating cellular activity and activating the body’s natural immune response, encouraging healing and tissue repair. The laser treatment also modulates pain signals in the nervous system, minimizing your body’s perception of pain. There is little to no discomfort and no downtime after treatment.
The benefits of Laser Heat Therapy for TMJ Disorder include:
  • Pain-free treatment.
  • Non-invasive.
  • Immediate pain relief.
  • It can improve the range of motion.
  • It may improve jaw function.
  • No need for anesthesia or recovery time.

Therapeutic Botox®

For patients who experience TMJ symptoms such as headaches, jaw pain, earaches, and chronic tension or tenderness, the symptoms may be linked to bruxism. Bruxism is grinding or clenching of the teeth, causing extreme tension in the muscles surrounding the temporomandibular joint.
Injecting therapeutic Botox® directly into the large masseter muscles around the TM joint temporarily forces them to relax. This reduces the ability to grind or clench the teeth with any intensity and gives the muscles, tendons, and joints time to heal. Inflammation also has time to subside. For most individuals, the effect lasts about three months and has to be repeated 3 to 4 times a year to remain effective.
There are benefits to Therapeutic Botox injections for TMJ, including:
  • Pain relief.
  • Reduction of muscle tension.
  • Reduced clenching.
  • Improved range of jaw motion.
  • Minimally invasive.
If you suffer from the symptoms of TMJ Disorder, rest assured that you are in good hands. An evaluation by Dr. Kulic will determine which treatment method is most appropriate to bring you lasting relief. Contact our office at LE BLANC General Dentistry and Aesthetics Phone Number (281) 888-0921 to schedule a consultation.