Santa Monica Dental Office Services

TMJ Treatment

TMJ Treatment can drastically improve your quality of life

If you have ongoing pain around your ear, jaw, or the muscles on the side of your face, you may be suffering from a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause pain and dysfunction around the temporomandibular joint and the surrounding muscles.  

It can be challenging to determine what causes the symptoms you’re experiencing. However, most cases of TMD and TMJ can be resolved with the help of non-invasive treatments. Dr. Ellie Farahmand of Santa Monica Dental Office can assess your condition and recommend the appropriate treatment for TMJ relief.

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What Causes Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

Your temporomandibular joint makes it easier to move your jaw, speak, chew, and swallow. TMJ disorders may cause the joint or adjacent muscles, ligaments, or bones to hurt. This disorder is often caused by:

Injury or dislocation

Arthritis

Chronic bruxism (teeth grinding)

Jaw or teeth alignment issues

Connective tissue diseases

Genetics

Many patients experience TMJ symptoms due to a combination of factors, and your TMJ pain may be a temporary or chronic problem.

TMJ Symptoms and Diagnosis

It’s crucial to have a dental professional like Dr. Farahmand assess your jaw pain to formulate a diagnosis. Many symptoms overlap with the signs of other conditions, making it challenging to diagnose them accurately without expert help. TMJ disorder symptoms often include:

Clicking or popping when you open or close your mouth

Head, neck, or teeth aches

Limited range of motion

Swelling or pain in your face

Discomfort when chewing or eating

Earaches or hearing problems

Discomfort around your ears, jaw, or TMJ

Trouble opening and closing your mouth

Dizziness

Dr. Farahmand will examine your jaw to determine its range of motion and may recommend dental X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to review your jaw structure.

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Botox Injections for TMJ Treatment

Botox for TMJ is becoming a popular treatment to reduce discomfort and muscle pain. When injected, it limits muscle movement and gets your facial pain and swelling under control. Dr. Farahmand in Santa Monica can then address other stressors affecting your TMD symptoms.

Botox for jaw clenching can be injected into various facial muscles, such as the jaw, temples, and forehead. Dr. Farahmand will carefully examine you and discuss your symptoms before completing the TMJ Botox procedure. Once approved for jaw muscle relaxation with Botox, the procedure will last no more than 15-30 minutes.

Most Botox injections last between three and four months. After treatment, you can return to your normal routine. The most common side effects include headaches, flu-like symptoms, respiratory infections, and nausea. Overall, Botox is a safe and effective treatment that can substantially improve your TMJ symptoms.

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Relief for Your TMJ Symptoms

TMJ disorders can be painful and challenging to live with for patients in Santa Monica. Dr. Farahmand can create a personalized treatment plan for your unique needs and accurately determine whether Botox is the best treatment for your TMJ pain.

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