TMJ Treatment – Washington, PA
Addressing Jaw Pain for a Better Quality of Life
Stress is one of the most obvious reasons for patients to grind or clench their teeth. Unfortunately, this habitual practice can lead to increased jaw pain and what is known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Dr. Vaughan and Dr. Yokum want patients to be free of discomfort, which is why we offer TMJ Treatment in our Washington office. Designed to improve the mobility and function of the jaw joints, we encourage you to call and schedule an appointment if you are tired of living with this kind of pain.
Why Choose Dental Health First for TMJ Treatment?
- Custom Occlusal Splints for Improved Jaw Movement
- BOTOX Injections to Ease Symptoms
- Qualified Dental Experts with Decades of Experience
The Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
You may not know if you have TMJ disorder until you meet with a member of our team; however, some symptoms can point to a serious problem before reaching our dental office. These include:
- Jaw tenderness
- Locking of the jaw
- Popping and clicking of the jaw
- Severe pain in the jaw, ears, and head
- Difficulty chewing or eating
- Difficulty opening and closing your mouth
- Stiff jaw muscles
- Bite misalignment
Equilibration/Occlusal Adjustments
One method used to treat TMJ disorder is equilibration or occlusal adjustment. This process requires reshaping certain teeth so that they fit together more harmoniously. As a result, when your jaw is seated correctly, the muscles will relax, minimizing pain and sensitivity.
Occlusal Splints
An occlusal splint is an orthotic device that is used to reduce teeth grinding and improve symptoms associated with TMJ disorder. Its design is similar to a mouthguard, and it can be worn throughout the day and night. Custom-made to fit comfortably, it helps to guide your jaw. Whether it is from side-to-side or front-to-back, it helps to keep teeth from touching (and grinding) while also supporting your jaw joints to minimize any pain.
BOTOX Treatment for TMJ Disorder
Another solution for treating TMJ disorder is the use of BOTOX. Often used in combination with other forms of treatment (i.e., occlusal splints), BOTOX can help temporarily relieve pain by relaxing the masseter muscle. This works to reduce teeth grinding and clenching as well as jaw discomfort. Although it is only temporary relief, it can be a viable option should the pain be too much to handle.