You may be suffering from TMJ disorder if you experience jaw pain, headaches, dizziness, or earaches. A consultation with Dr. Brooksher of Baton Rouge can determine whether your symptoms are related to the disorder. If so, he can develop a treatment plan with Xeomin or other options to ease your symptoms so you can eat, talk, and smile more comfortably.
What Is TMJ?
TMJ is the temporomandibular joint, which connects your lower jawbone to your skull, near the ears. This joint both rotates and glides, allowing the jaw to move in various directions as you chew, talk, yawn, or smile. TMJ disorder is a condition that affects jaw joint function, causing discomfort and other symptoms. According to a National Institutes of Health study, TMJ disorder affects 11 to 12 million U.S. adults.
What Are TMJ Symptoms?
TMJ sufferers may frequently experience one or more of the symptoms below. However, occasional jaw discomfort does not automatically mean you have TMJ dysfunction.
Your symptoms may include:
- Chewing-muscle pain
- Dizziness
- Earaches or ear ringing (tinnitus)
- Facial pain
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Jaw clicking, locking, popping, pain, or stiffness
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Toothaches
How Is TMJ Treated?
Temporomandibular joint
An exam and review of your medical and dental histories will help determine if any of the following methods can relax the jaw joint and ease your symptoms:
- Exercises – Gentle exercises can stretch and strengthen the jaw muscles.
- Heat or cold therapy – Apply a cold pack to reduce swelling and pain. A warm compress can increase blood flow and relax the muscles.
- Mouthguard – A custom mouthguard can minimize the pressure on the jaw joint if teeth grinding or jaw clenching contributes to your symptoms.
- Resting the jaw muscles – Eating soft foods and avoiding hard, crunchy, or chewy foods helps muscles relax.
- Xeomin injections – Relieve the pain from muscle spasms, jaw tension, and headaches.
- Bite adjustment – Either equilibration or bite reconstruction can create a harmonious bite that eliminates muscle tension.
Dr. Brooksher’s Advanced Training
Dr. Brooksher is a graduate of the L.D. Pankey Institute, a dental post-graduate training program that teaches dentists occlusion, complex restorative dentistry, and TMJ treatment. In addition, he has received training to administer Xeomin injections, which are an important addition in treating the muscle spasms associated with TMJ disorder. He is fully qualified to treat TMJ problems that are associated with occlusal function and muscular spasms. However, if diagnosis reveals that you have serious damage to your articular disc, he will refer you to a surgeon with special training for that surgery.
What is Xeomin®
Xeomin and Botox are both botulinum injectables and have identical effects. Xeomin is becoming preferred by many clinicians because it is more purified than Botox, doesn’t require refrigeration, and the injections are more comfortable.
How Does Xeomin Relieve TMJ Symptoms?
Xeomin relieves TMJ symptoms by blocking the nerve signals that cause the jaw muscles to contract. Relaxing overworked jaw muscles helps ease pain, clicking, and other symptoms.
What Can You Expect from Xeomin Treatment for TMJ?
Dr. Brooksher has advanced training in the use of Xeomin to treat TMJ disorder. During a consultation, he will review your medical and dental histories, listen as you explain your symptoms, and complete an oral exam.
Below is what you can expect if you’re a candidate for Xeomin treatment:
- The procedure takes about 15 minutes.
- You may experience mild bruising or soreness afterward.
- You will notice improvement within one to seven days.
- Repeat treatment every three to six months to maintain the results.
Schedule a Consultation
If you suffer from jaw pain, headaches, or other symptoms of jaw joint dysfunction, consult with Dr. Brooksher. He is a Pankey Institute graduate, trained in complex restorative dentistry and TMJ treatment, and a founding member of the L.D. Pankey Alumni Study Club. Dr. Brooksher’s training and experience will help determine your options for TMJ relief. Call us to schedule a consultation or complete our appointment request form.
