TMJ

TMJ services offered in Merrimack, NH

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a common source of serious jaw pain. Surgery isn’t the only way to treat the condition, and board-certified Maria Abbate, FNP-C, of Beautify in Merrimack, New Hampshire, is happy to sit down with you and explain how Botox® offers a far less invasive path toward relief. Book your consultation online today, or call the office during normal business hours to check appointment availability.

TMJ Q & A

What causes TMJ?

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a condition affecting the joint that joins your jawbone to your skull. Researchers understand that there may be a genetic component to the condition, so a family history of this form of jaw dysfunction might elevate your personal risk.

Traumatic injury can also cause TMJ. Any incident that puts this joint under extreme strain can lead to problems within the joint, muscles, or connective tissues. Clenching or grinding your teeth (bruxism) is a common cause of TMJ.

What are some of the symptoms of TMJ?

Being able to identify the condition can make it easier to know when to seek treatment for TMJ. Some of the indications that you might have the condition include:

Pain in one side of your face
Pain that worsens while biting or chewing
Pain in or near your ear
Clicking or popping sounds when opening and closing your mouth

The most severe symptom of TMJ is locking of the jaw after yawning or opening your mouth wide. If you experience these symptoms, consider scheduling an appointment at Beautify to explore treatment options.

Are there treatments that can help with TMJ?

In some severe cases, surgical intervention is the only way to achieve lasting improvements with TMJ. Very often, however, there are less invasive methods of managing the condition.

Botox injections are a minimally invasive treatment option that have helped many people find relief from the jaw pain that comes with TMJ. When injected into the muscles that facilitate jaw movement, Botox works to temporarily restrict muscle movement.

This reduces the tension placed on the affected joint, which in turn lessens pain. It only takes a few moments for your practitioner to administer the injections, and there’s no need for advance preparation or anesthesia.

Within a few days, the full effects of your treatment will develop. You can expect to notice less pain and a reduction in jaw clenching. Your effects will last a few months, at which time you can decide whether to return for another round of treatment.

To explore this option in greater detail, book a face-to-face consultation at Beautify. You can schedule online any time of day, or call to speak with an administrative professional during normal business hours.