If you have a TMJ disorder, you may find that it affects your ability to live comfortably from day to day. Dr. Babak Joobbani and Dr. Jennifer Joobbani provide TMJ treatment in Columbia, Maryland, including night guards and BOTOX®, to help manage your condition, alleviate your discomfort and improve your quality of life. To schedule a consultation with our experienced dentists and learn how TMJ treatment can benefit you, call Joobbani Dental Designs today at 410-872-3999.
TMJ Disorders
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects your lower jaw to your head. TMJ disorders, also known as TMD, develop when this joint is stressed, misaligned or injured. Some factors that may contribute to TMJ disorders are stress, teeth grinding and clenching, arthritis in the jaw joint, and trauma or injury.
Common signs of TMJ disorders include:
- Grinding, clicking and popping sounds when you move your jaw
- The inability to open your mouth widely
- A locked or stuck jaw
- Pain when chewing and biting
- Pain in your neck, shoulders or ears
- Frequent or recurring headaches and migraines
The treatment you receive for your TMD will depend on the cause and severity of your condition. Our dentists will most frequently recommend night guards or BOTOX but may also recommend jaw and facial relaxation exercises or other lifestyle changes. During your initial consultation, our dentists will evaluate your joints and mouth and discuss your options with you.
BOTOX
While BOTOX is typically thought of as an aesthetic treatment designed to smooth fine lines and wrinkles on the brow and forehead, it has also been approved by the FDA to treat the cause of TMJ disorders and migraines. Because it acts to block signals from your nerves to your muscles, BOTOX helps prevent the reflexive clenching motions and tension that contribute to TMJ disorders, allowing your muscles to relax. This in turn relieves discomfort and helps your body begin to move away from habitual movements. BOTOX is provided in a simple injection, making your treatment quick and comfortable, and the results can last for up to four to six months. Depending on your individual needs, our dentists may recommend BOTOX on its own or in combination with other treatments.
Night Guards
Night guards address only some of the symptoms of TMJ disorders, such as bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching). They are a type of mouth guard that is custom made to fit your mouth and help protect your teeth from the damaging grinding forces while you sleep. Your night guard will be designed to cushion your teeth and keep your jaw in its ideal alignment. This can be recommended for very light grinders, and only helps in alleviating jaw tension and some pain symptoms. Alternatively, with BOTOX we can significantly reduce the grinding, headaches, pain and other symptoms you may be experiencing.
Schedule a Consultation
For more information about TMJ treatments and to schedule your one-on-one consultation with our skilled dentists, please contact our office today.
Learn more about night guards and BOTOX here: