Are you suffering from migraines, frequent headaches, jaw pain, or an aching pain in your face? These are all symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, also known as TMJ or TMD. TMJ can make chewing, talking, and other daily activities painful and difficult.
At Essex Street Dental Medicine, Dr. Casiglia employs a variety of treatment options to alleviate the painful symptoms of TMJ. Following proper diagnostic guidelines, our team performs a complete evaluation of the jaw and mouth to determine the best TMJ treatment options. From there, Dr. Casiglia will work with you to design a treatment plan that best fits your needs and lifestyle.
If you're looking for easy care and relief from your TMJ symptoms, our dental office in Salem is conveniently located for patients living and working in Swampscott, Marblehead, and beyond!
What Is TMJ?
TMJ is a common abbreviation for the Temporomandibular Joint which connects your lower jawbone to the base of your skull. A series of complex muscles, joint pads and tendons help move and protect this joint while it is in motion.
Because this joint is one of the most frequently used joints in the human body, it can be extremely painful when it becomes inflamed.
Symptoms vary from person-to-person, but generally can include:
- Headaches
- Pain and tenderness around the jaw, ears, cheeks and neck
- Migraines
- Stiffness in the jaw
- Earaches
- Painful chewing
- Pain while yawning
- Locking of the jaw
- Uncontrolled change of facial expression
- Changes in how the upper and lower teeth fit together
What Causes TMJ?
Many things can contribute to the development of TMJ. Stress can be a factor, as well as anything that can cause tension in the jaw and surrounding muscle groups.
A few common causes can be:
- Grinding teeth or clenching your jaw (also referred to as bruxism)
- Injury to the neck or jaw from a trauma such as an auto accident
- Improper bite alignment
- Arthritis
- Sleep apnea
- Dislocation or erosion of the joint
How Can TMJ Treatment Help?
At Essex Street Dental Medicine, Dr. Casiglia frequently uses botulinum injection therapy to treat TMJ. Anti-aging cosmetic injections are usually associated with cosmetic practices, such as reducing crows feet and other facial wrinkles. However, this type of injection has recently become an increasingly popular and effective TMJ treatment.
While some TMJ symptoms may improve on their own, anti-aging cosmetic injections can offer fast, long-lasting relief for those that need a more targeted solution.
Anti-aging cosmetic injections offer TMJ sufferers the following benefits:
- Reduced shoulder and neck pain
- Minimized lockjaw symptoms
- Reduced jaw discomfort when talking, chewing or yawning
- Alleviation of headaches caused by bruxism
- Reduction in jaw tension
Schedule Your TMJ Treatment Consultation With Essex Street Dental Medicine Today
If you’re suffering from symptoms of TMJ, give us a call today!