TMD, TMJ, and Bruxism
TMD, TMJ, and Bruxism
Stress can sometimes lead to grinding or clenching your teeth. This is a common ailment known as bruxism. Bruxism can be the cause of TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). This is often due to an enlarged masseter muscle in your jaw. When your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is compromised this can lead to some painful symptoms. Most dentists will treat TMD with a mouth guard that is worn during sleep. However, some patients find them uncomfortable and they don’t help with daytime clenching and grinding.
There’s a better, faster and more painless way to treat bruxism with botox injections. At Beauty Refined Dr. Tantawi can treat your bruxism so that you no longer clench or grind your teeth or have the pain associated with TMD. Dr. Tantawi is board certified and specializes in surgery and cosmetic surgery and is highly skilled at giving you the results you desire and deserve. Request a consultation with him today and find out how this non-surgical treatment can give you the relief you want quickly and painlessly.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is defined as clenching or grinding your teeth together, usually without knowing it. It’s often caused by stress or anxiety , but can be brought on by other factors, including an overbite or crooked teeth . TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders are also linked with bruxism, because TMJ disorder pain may cause sufferers to subconsciously clench their jaws for relief. TMJ disorder is a painful condition that affects the TMJ, leading to symptoms like pain, restricted jaw movement and clicking or popping of the TMJ. Bruxism may also be caused by other TMJ disorders, because clenching teeth together provides temporary relief from TMJ disorder symptoms. Some people are born with misaligned jaws , which can increase their risk of developing TMJ disorder and bruxism.
What are the Symptoms of Bruxism?
Symptoms of bruxism vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some common symptoms are:
- Headaches, neck or jaw pain
- Sensitive teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Ear aches
- Clicking sounds while chewing
- Loss of sleep due to grinding at night
- Increased in the number of cavities.
Treatment for TMJ, TMD, and Bruxism
Treatment at Beauty Refined with Dr. Tantawi consists of using botox injections to limit the ability of the masseter jaw muscle to clench and grind. By limiting it, the muscle is calmed down and no longer able to cause damage. The muscle will go back down to normal size over a period of time. The best part is, it is a painless, non-surgical treatment and you won’t have to wear mouth blocks or guards.
The treatment is done by Dr. Tantawi. He will numb or ice the area where the injection will go. He will then inject the botox into your masseter muscle on each side of your face, being careful to only inject what’s necessary. It’s best to start with a smaller amount so that the muscle is still functional. You will still be able to chew and smile, the muscle just won’t be as powerful.
In two weeks you will return so Dr. Tantawi can check the progress from the injection. If more botox is needed. After that it’s recommended that you get botox injections every 4 months for a year. Usually, after a year no more injections are needed to maintain the progress and the bruxism habit is broken. Another benefit when the masseter muscle is no longer enlarged is a more youthful, stress free face.
If you’re suffering from TMD, TMJ, or Bruxism call or request an online consultation today and find out how botox injections can be a much easier way to handle your condition. Dr. Tantawi and his staff are ready and committed to helping you be free of pain, so you can feel your very best.