Are you experiencing immense jaw pain? Unsure what could be causing it? When the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) becomes inflamed or injured, it can cause much pain and lead to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD). Dr. Holinbeck at Bionica Dental Wellness wants to not only help you achieve better oral health, but she also wants to alleviate your pain and discomfort caused by TMJ. Of course, the first step is determining the cause, which she can identify during an initial consultation. Then, after crafting a personalized treatment plan, your TMJ treatment in Delafield can begin. If you’re ready to get started, contact us to schedule an appointment with her today!
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) is caused when the TMJs (temporomandibular joints), which are connected to the base of the skull and located under the ears, are unable to function properly, making it difficult for you to eat, speak, chew, and even laugh. There are many reasons you can develop TMD but only a highly skilled and trained dentist can effectively treat TMJ pain.
Some of the most common causes include:
Although not all symptoms are easy to spot, there are ways to determine if you have TMD. As always, it is best to contact our office and allow us to evaluate your case. This will help us determine whether you are suffering from TMD and if so, begin to formulate a proper treatment plan.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, give us a call:
During your meeting with Dr. Holinbeck and our team at Bionica Dental Wellness, we will take digital images of your oral and facial structures to assist in the diagnostic stage of treatment. We’ll also perform a visual exam and ask questions about your day-to-day activities.
After compiling our findings, we will discuss the various treatment options that are available and help you decide which one might be right for you.
With an occlusal splint, we can ensure that your teeth remain protected against the effects of bruxism as well as reduce any symptoms associated with TMJ. This customized device is worn at night while you sleep, helping to shift your jaw slightly forward. This allows your jaw joints to rest in a more relaxed position, alleviating any additional pressure and creating a more positive experience.
When dealing with a bite problem, whether caused by a restoration that is not properly cemented into place or teeth not lining up correctly, it can cause excessive pressure on the TMJs. By performing an occlusal adjustment, your dentist in Delafield can alter certain restorations by calculating the bite, which allows your facial muscles and tissues to better relax, creating greater relief.
TENS stands for “transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation” and is a device that is used to stimulate the facial muscles and nerves that surround the TMJs. Using a precise sequence to alleviate any tension can help to block any pain that might try to arise and instead, offers a more relaxing and enjoyable massage.
Using BOTOX injections to combat TMJ Disorder is an easy way to achieve relief from the pain caused by inflammation. With each injection, the solution targets the muscles surrounding the jaw joints and temporarily freezes them. When used as part of a comprehensive approach to TMJ treatment, BOTOX can be highly effective at helping you achieve relief.
Even if you are ready to undergo TMJ Treatment in Delafield, there’s a good chance that you have many questions. When attempting to alleviate the kind of pain brought on by inflammation of your jaw joints, you’ll want to know what you can expect and how effective it will be in the long term. Fortunately, Dr. Holinbeck and our team are here to help by answering some of the most common questions we’ve received from our patients over the years. Review the following information and don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have additional questions.
While it is possible for the discomfort commonly caused by TMJ to gradually subside over time, it’s important that you seek professional help if you notice that your symptoms continue to negatively impact your daily life. BOTOX and the use of a TENS machine offer temporary relief from the pain; however, you cannot expect the results to be permanent. However, the use of an occlusal splint as well as occlusal adjustment/equilibration can improve and permanently fix your jaw tension as well as misalignment.
Naturally, you might wonder if BOTOX is safe for TMJ treatment. After all, it is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which is a toxin that is being injected into the face. The good news is that when administered by a skilled professional like Dr. Holinbeck and our team at Bionica Dental Wellness, you will receive the right dosage, so it is deemed safe.
It is true that there are some potential risks and side effects; however, they should be minor. These include:
Typically, occlusal splints are worn at night when going to bed. You may notice that your symptoms do not appear as significant right away; however, they’re unlikely to go away all at once. It does take time for the TMJs to begin to adjust.
It is believed that at around six weeks, you can expect to notice a significant improvement, but not complete relief. It’s not uncommon for long-lasting results to take between 3-6 months, but each person is different, so depending on the severity of your inflammation, it may take longer or shorter.
There are various forms of treatment available, so the cost will vary. Where it is performed (state and geographic area), who you see, and the type of treatment you choose will all be factors in the overall cost of care. It can average between several hundred dollars and thousands of dollars.
If you require extensive treatment, you can expect this will be reflected in a higher bill (i.e., BOTOX injections will not cost as much as jaw surgery).
While insurance may not cover TMJ treatment, your dentist may be able to offer other available payment options, such as an in-house wellness program that allows you to pay a single fee for access to available services and discounts. You can also apply for flexible financing through CareCredit or Lending Club if you prefer to pay for the cost of your treatment over several months.