TMD & Bruxism Therapy in Lovell
Protect Your Smile From Pain
Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD, affects approximately 5 to 12% of the American population, causing a variety of symptoms that substantially interfere with daily life in more ways than one. Associated with chronic jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and frequent migraines, TMD is second only to lower back pain as the most common musculoskeletal condition that causes disability. Many patients who suffer from TMD are also affected by nighttime teeth grinding, or bruxism.
At Lovell Dental, we believe that everyone should enjoy a healthy, pain-free life, and that’s why Dr. Anderson offers TMD therapy and bruxism treatment for patients suffering from these and other related symptoms.
What Causes TMD?
TMD is typically caused by a number of factors affecting either the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the muscles that control it, or a combination of the two.
Problems within the joint itself include:
- Injury – Trauma to the TMJ or the cartilage disc that lies between the bones can lead to chronic pain.
- Arthritis – Some forms of arthritis, including gout and rheumatoid arthritis, can cause inflammation of the jaw joints.
- Wear and tear – When the cartilage disc inside the TMJ becomes worn with age, persistent pain can result.
Issues may be caused by:
- Muscle strain or excessive activity – Individuals who clench their jaw tightly during sleep often suffer from disorders of the temporomandibular joint.
- Increased pain sensitivity – While there is no clear indication as to why this occurs in some patients, it is a common problem. Many believe that stress plays a role in a patient’s level of sensitivity to pain, as do conditions like fibromyalgia.
The Importance of Treating Bruxism & TMD
When TMD is left untreated, the wear and tear of the joint continues, further exacerbating the pain. The continued strain on the muscles may even visibly alter the appearance of the face’s shape over time. While early TMD treatment is non-invasive and relatively simple in nature, advanced cases may call for surgical correction of the jaw joints. In the case of bruxism, the teeth are at risk for severe damage if the condition is not addressed in a timely manner. The extensive force of the grinding causes teeth to gradually wear down, causing them to appear shorter and flatter. The teeth may even fracture, leading to pain and a need for immediate repair. A nightguard, also known as an oral splint, can be worn to prevent teeth grinding while the patient sleeps.
BOTOX® for Jaw Tension, Bruxism & TMD Pain
BOTOX® is a safe and effective treatment option for patients experiencing facial pain due to TMD. When injected into the frontalis, temporalis, and masseter muscles, BOTOX® can relieve chronic headaches as well as the tension and discomfort associated with jaw clenching. The procedure is relatively quick, and most patients experience dramatic pain relief within just a few short days. Dr. Anderson has completed advanced continuing education courses from the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, specializing in BOTOX® therapy for the treatment of TMD.
Learn More About Botox for TMD Therapy
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you experience frequent headaches, jaw pain, facial tension, aching muscles in the neck and back, or any of the other symptoms of TMD and bruxism, Dr. Anderson can help. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discover real TMD pain relief that allows you to enjoy an improved quality of life every day.
Our state-of-the-art dental practice in Lovell warmly welcomes patients from throughout the surrounding areas, including Cowley, Basin, Greybull, Deaver, Powell, Cody, Byron, Burlington, Frannie, Manderson, and beyond.