Dr. Mehdi Jafarinejad and Dr. Sanaz Seifi provide TMJ treatments in Fresno, California, to improve your oral function and help you enjoy a healthier and more comfortable quality of life. As TMJ disorders can have a significant impact on your ability to eat, speak and chew, we invite you to contact SmilePro Dentistry at 559-319-0505 to schedule an appointment with our dentists and learn how TMJ treatment can benefit you.
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the joint connecting your lower jaw to the rest of your head. TMJ disorders, also known as TMD, occur when this joint becomes stressed, injured or misaligned. This joint may develop problems as a result of stress, bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching), arthritis in the joint, or trauma to your head, neck or jaw. Some common signs of TMJ disorders include:
- Grinding, clicking or popping sounds when moving your jaw or opening or closing your mouth
- The inability to open your mouth wide to speak, yawn or chew
- Locked or stuck jaw
- Pain when chewing and biting
- Pain in your neck, shoulders or ears
- Frequent headaches
During your initial consultation, our dentists will work with you to determine the cause of your TMJ disorder. We will then create a treatment plan to alleviate discomfort and improve your oral function. Some TMJ treatments we may recommend include jaw and facial relaxation exercises, lifestyle changes, mouth or night guards, restorative dentistry, and jaw surgery.
Our dentists may also recommend BOTOX® treatment to help treat your TMJ disorder. While many people associate this treatment with cosmetic services, it is also able to treat conditions such as TMJ disorders. BOTOX (onabotulinumtoxinA) is a medication injected into certain areas of your jaw or face to help relieve symptoms of TMD. BOTOX works as a temporary solution for TMJ disorders by blocking pain signals from the nerves to the muscles, relieving discomfort and preventing the muscle movements that contribute to TMJ problems. This treatment is quick and comfortable, involving the use of a single needle to inject the medication. You will be able to return to your regular routine immediately after leaving our office.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with our dentists, please contact our team today.