TMJ Treatment – Williamstown, NJ
Find the Relief You Need & Deserve
Our team at iSmile Dental Arts wants you to get the most out of every day, which is why we’re happy to help patients experiencing persistent jaw pain caused by TMJ disorder in Williamstown find much-needed relief. We offer several custom-tailored solutions to ease chronic discomfort and make daily tasks like eating and speaking much easier. Call our office to schedule a consultation and learn more about TMJ treatment.
Why Choose iSmile Dental Arts for TMJ Treatment?
- Fast-Acting Relief from BOTOX® Injections
- Accurate Diagnoses with Advanced Imaging
- Comfortable & Precise Digital Impressions
What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder, also referred to as TMJD, is a common condition that affects the paired joints that hinge the lower jaw to the upper jaw, called the temporomandibular joints. When the joints and the muscles around them become overworked, filled with tension, and strained, it can lead to a number of symptoms that can impact your quality of life, ranging from chronic pain to difficulty chewing food. Our team at iSmile Dental Arts uses advanced imaging technology to help find out the underlying cause of your joint and muscle strain, allowing us to offer a suitable and effective answer.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMJD can be caused by a number of underlying complications, including bite misalignment, clenching and grinding, and more. Depending on the severity of the condition, it can lead to a number of symptoms, including:
- Tenderness and pain in and around the jaw joints
- Soreness when eating or holding the mouth open
- Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Difficulty and discomfort while chewing
- Aching facial pains
- Lockjaw, or the locking of the joint, which makes it difficult to open or close the mouth
- Chronic headaches
- Neck, shoulder, and eye pain
If you notice that you have one or more of these symptoms, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with your dentist in Williamstown, Dr. Kassem.
Types of TMJ Treatment
During your consultation, Dr. Kassem can help you determine what type of TMJ treatment will work best to provide you with relief.
Occlusal Splint
An occlusal splint is a custom-crafted nightguard that you can wear to help protect your teeth from grinding and clenching as you sleep, which can lead to severe damage and additional jaw pain, as week as shift the jaw into a more comfortable position. While in the mouth, the splint will help relieve pressure from the temporomandibular joints and their surrounding muscles, helping provide you with daily relief.
BOTOX® Injections
For our patients who experience more severe TMJ pain, we also offer BOTOX injections to provide fast-acting relief. Administered in-office, these injections help relax the strained muscles surrounding the jaw joints to help them feel less fatigued, tense, and uncomfortable. You may also receive some aesthetic benefits, too!
TMJ Treatment FAQs
Can TMJ Disorder Be Cured Permanently?
It is possible for the symptoms associated with TMJ disorder to simply go away on their own. In cases where treatment is required, it should be noted that some methods have more lasting effects than others. BOTOX injections, for instance, will typically only yield temporary relief. In contrast, an occlusal splint tends to be a more enduring solution. This is because it actually addresses the root cause of the disorder by changing the position of the jaw in order to take some of the pressure off of the jaw joints.
Is BOTOX for TMJ Safe?
BOTOX involves the use of botulinum toxin. Many patients are understandably hesitant about receiving an injection of any sort of toxin, but you can rest assured that BOTOX is considered safe as long as the treatment is performed by an expert who takes great care to administer the correct dosage.
There are a few side effects associated with BOTOX, such as headaches, mild nausea, and temporary drooping of the eyelids. The good news is that these side effects tend to be very minor, and they will typically go away on their own over time. The chances of more serious side effects occurring are very low, so there’s no need to let that possibility scare you off from pursuing the relief that you deserve.
How Long Does TMJ Treatment Take?
The answer to this question can vary depending on what kind of treatment you undergo. A single BOTOX injection usually takes around 30 minutes, and you may notice an improvement in your symptoms after just a couple of days (although it can take longer than that to start feeling the full benefits of the treatment). That said, the effects of BOTOX have a finite lifespan; the treatment may have to be redone after about three to six months.
In comparison, it can take longer to achieve relief with an occlusal splint. In many cases, you may have to wear the appliance for a matter of weeks or even months. Of course, this is balanced out by the fact that an occlusal splint typically yields longer-lasting results.
Can TMJ Disorder Be Treated Without Surgery?
After hearing that TMJ disorder is an issue with your jaw joints, you may wonder if surgery is the best method for dealing with the problem. However, it’s generally suggested that you try more conservative methods such as occlusal splints and BOTOX injections first. After all, there’s no need to make permanent changes to your jaw if you can achieve relief with a less invasive approach. Consider TMJ surgery to be a last resort that should only be pursued when other treatment methods have already been attempted.
