Your jaws help you chew your food, allow you to speak and laugh, and keep your teeth in place. The Temporomandibular joint is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull and makes these movements possible. It is made up of the jaw, the bones and muscles that work to move it forward and backward, and the ligaments that stabilize it all together.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) is an umbrella term that encompasses several conditions that affect your jaw. TMJ disorders can be quite painful and debilitating. They come about as a result of stress on the muscles or bone pressure on the joints. Overuse of the jaw can also cause tightness in your jaw muscles. Over time, this tightness makes your jaw more susceptible to injury from biting or chewing. You may experience pain, headaches, and pressure or tenderness around the joint.
Treatment is available. The best TMJ dentist in twon prevent further damage and treat the problem as best as possible. Dr. Bruce Vafa is a TMJ Specialist in Los Angeles, CA. He is board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Here we will discuss some ways to permanently cure Temporomandibular joint dysfunction and how a TMJ specialist in Los Angeles can help you on your journey to recovery.
Table of Contents
Botox for TMJ
Botox is a common treatment for headaches, migraines, and chronic neck pain. It is a naturally occurring protein found in the body. Botox shots have been very helpful in treating TMJ and migraines by relaxing muscles that cause pain and discomfort. They also stops muscle spasms, which may be the root of constant headache pain. Botox for TMJ is administered using a single injection in the jaw muscles.
This treatment is recommended after a consultation with a TMJ specialist in Los Angeles. Dr. Bruce Vafa is a TMJ Specialist, with experience in using Botox for TMJ. He will evaluate the jaw joint and muscle mechanics to determine if Botox is right for you. Botox for TMJ can provide relief for up to three months. After the treatment, an anti-spasmodic is recommended to prevent future muscle spasms.
Learn more about Botox for TMJ in Los Angeles
Dental Appliances
Mouth breathing, teeth grinding, and clenching can stress the Temporomandibular joint. This can cause inflammation in your jaw joints and may lead to TMJ. There are several dental devices designed to correct these problems. They prevent the teeth from shifting and clenching. A TMJ specialist in Los Angeles gives these devices to reposition the teeth in the mouth or to give support to weak or affected teeth. They also help to reduce tension in the jaw joints. The best TMj dentist in twon will customize the device according to your mouth and the issues observed.
Custom-made splints are bonded to teeth with dental porcelain or composite resins. A night bite guard is worn while the patient sleeps. It prevents the jaws from clenching throughout the night. Night guards are also useful for those who grind their teeth. They keep the teeth slightly separated, preventing them from grinding on each other. A TMJ dentist in Beverly hills can show you different types of dental appliances and which ones are right for you.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy helps the muscles function better and avoid further strain. Exercises improve the strength and flexibility of your jaw muscles. They help reduce pain and restore normal muscle function of the Temporomandibular joint. A TMJ dentist in Beverly hills can teach you how to stretch your mouth, lips, and bite. You will learn how to massage the joints and muscles properly to keep them strong, promote healing and prevent further pain.
The best TMJ dentist in twon will give you tips and tools to massage the joints at home. You can use a tennis ball to roll the muscles and reduce pain. Other pain relieving techniques include heat therapy and cold therapy. Warm compresses can help to relax the tight muscles around the joint, while ice packs can help reduce pain and swelling.
Electrical Nerve Stimulation
Nerve impulses are created by the brain and processed in the spinal cord. Pain and muscle spasms may be caused by a neurological condition or damage to nerves. Electrical stimulation works to prevent pain and muscle spasms by improving nerve impulses. Electrodes are placed on the base of the head and neck. They are controlled by a small, portable device placed on the body.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is painless and non-invasive. The TMJ dentist in Beverly hills sends electrical pulses to the affected body part. The pulses block pain signals and stimulate the nerves so that they can function correctly again. A low-level electrical current is sent through two electrodes onto the skin surface, over the area where pain or muscle spasm is felt. Improvement should be seen within two weeks of treatment for most patients.
Surgery
Surgery is the last resort for most Temporomandibular joint dysfunction cases. It is recommended for those experiencing chronic pain and discomfort, despite trying other treatments. There are different surgical procedures used to treat TMJ problems. The patient must be under general anesthesia during surgery.
A TMJ dentist in Beverly hills will surgically reposition your teeth and remove bone spurs. A bone spur is a small, soft bone that has been pushed out of place. It may grow into the joint and cause pain. Drilling out the teeth and removing cysts are also viable options. A TMJ specialist in Los Angeles will show you the different surgical procedures they recommend for you. Dr. Bruce Vafa is a TMJ specialist and an expert in Temporomandibular Pain Disorders. He can customize treatments for each patient according to your needs, budget, and expectations.
Anti-Inflammatory Medicine
Anti-inflammatories are used to treat severe muscle pain caused by TMJ. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) include aspirin and ibuprofen. These types of drugs are generally safe when taken in prescribed amounts. Other drugs such as indomethacin, piroxicam, and diclofenac are also used in TMJ pain relief. These drugs may require higher doses than regular NSAIDs.
The best TMJ dentist in twon can help you find the most effective medication for your symptoms. They may also advise you to change your medication if it is not helping enough.
TMJ can cause serious pain if left untreated. Never ignore signs of head and neck pain, as it can lead to more serious problems if not given attention. Dr. Bruce Vafa is a TMJ Specialist at smileangels in Los Angeles, CA. He can help you get your smile back. Call us today or visit our website, fill out the online form and schedule an appointment.