When you have pain in your face and jaw, this could be related to a serious oral health issue known as TMJ disorder, or TMD. The problem could also be due to bruxism (chronic teeth grinding). In order to treat orofacial pain, your Celina, TX, dentist may use an unexpected solution: Botox®!
The Causes of Orofacial Pain
Orofacial pain refers to any discomfort located in your face, neck, head, and jaw joints. Common causes could include TMJ disorder and bruxism, two very different but often related jaw joint disorders. With TMJ disorder, the joints connecting our jaw and skull become strained, leading to discomfort and difficulty opening and closing the mouth. With bruxism, strain and pressure causes people to grind or clench their teeth on a near nightly basis. Untreated TMJ disorder has been linked to the onset of bruxism, and vice-versa. Common causes of these issues include tooth loss, misalignment, bite imbalance, injury to the face or jaw, or elevated stress levels.
Warning Signs of Trouble
With both disorders, you could develop a number of painful symptoms, such as headaches and migraines, aches in the neck and jaw, facial pain, and shoulder discomfort. You could experience a persistent popping or clicking sensation in the jaw, as well as tooth sensitivity and toothaches, as bruxism often wears away structure to damage teeth and increase the risk of tooth decay and infection. If you begin to experience these common examples of orofacial pain, then please contact our team to discuss possible treatment options.
The Benefits of Botox®
While we often think of Botox® as a mainly cosmetic treatment, they also address the causes behind orofacial pain. Botox® is a refined version of the botulinum toxin, administered through injection to various places in your face. Since the toxin begins to relax muscles, they remove common signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. For people with orofacial pain, they also relax the tension and pressure on the jaw joints and facial muscles, relieving the causes of your discomfort and providing relief. Results tend to last five to six months, and we can administer injections during your routine checkup and cleaning visits.
Other Treatment Options
We could also treat your TMJ and teeth grinding issues with an oral appliance, which is custom-made and fits like a mouthguard. Worn as you sleep, the device repositions the jaw to ease pressure and reduce painful symptoms. Other treatment options could include restoration placement or orthodontic procedures!
Your Celina, TX Dentist Treats Facial Discomfort
At our Celina, TX dentist’s office, we know how to use an array of unique treatment options to combat issues related to TMJ disorder and bruxism. Find out more about our unique cosmetic and preventive treatments by calling Celina Family Dentistry at (214) 851-0130.
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