 |
|
 |
What is TMJ?
Your upper and lower jaws are held together by a complex joint that moves your lower jaw forward and sideways. When this joint does not work properly, the disorder is called TMD. This condition can be caused by factors within the temporomandibular joint (bone, disc, cartilage) or external factors (muscles of mastication, occlusion).
What are the Signs of TMD?
Some of the most common TMD symptoms include:
| • |
Misalignment of the upper and lower teeth (a sudden change in the way they fit together)
|
| • |
Pain when chewing or yawning |
| • |
Headaches, earaches, pressure behind the eyes |
| • |
Clicking or popping sound when you open or close your mouth
|
| • |
Jaws that "get stuck" |
| • |
Tenderness of the jaw muscles |
What are some of the causes of TMD?
| • |
Osteoarthritis |
| • |
Rheumatoid Arthritis |
| • |
Autoimmune Disorders |
| • |
Foreign Body Reactions |
| • |
Tumors or Neoplastic Processes |
| • |
Displaced articular discs |
| • |
Foreign body reactions |
| • |
Previous TMJ Surgeries |
| • |
Hemifacial Microsomia or other congenital deformities |
How is TMD Treated?
There are various treatments that may reduce your symptoms dramatically. After we complete the diagnosis, we will create a treatment plan to alleviate your symptoms.
Treatment of TMD generally consists of non-surgical and surgical options. Non-surgical options are generally exhausted first. They provide the benefit of being completely reversible and work in approximately 90% of patients with TMD.
These non-surgical options include:
| • |
Occlusal splint therapy |
| • |
Occlusal adjustments |
| • |
Orthodontics |
| • |
Pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatory medications |
| • |
Warm, moist heat |
| • |
Physical therapy |
| • |
Diet modifications (soft, no chew diet) |
If these non-surgical treatments prove ineffective, then surgical treatment may prove necessary.
We will perform a thorough history and physical exam to diagnose the source of your TMD. They may also use the aid of advanced radiographic techniques such as MRI and Computed Tomography to further aid in the diagnosis.
Surgical options may include:
| • |
Arthrocentesis/ Lavage of the Joint space |
| • |
TMJ Arthroscopy
|
| • |
Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery |
| • |
Articular disc repositioning |
| • |
Removal of the disc and substitution with harvested muscle, cartilage, fat or fascia |
| • |
Removal of the disc and replacement with high grade medical plastic/ synthetic material |
| • |
Total Joint Reconstruction with ribs |
| |
Total Joint Reconstruction with custom-made CAD/CAM joint prosthesis |
TMD can be extremely difficult to treat as the cause is often multifactorial in its origin. There is often more than one cause or combination of causes leading to the problems. Often times correcting a functional problem in the joint, such as repositioning the disc may or may not alleviate the symptoms. It is important to understand this prior to undergoing a TMJ surgery.
We may require the help of a pain management specialist in controlling the extent of your TMD. Often times TMJ pain can be difficult to manage with TMJ surgery alone. This becomes much more important in patients with long standing TMJ pain or TMD.
We will work closely with you and your restorative dentist to devise a treatment plan that best fits you as our patient. |
| Back to Top |
|
 |
What is BOTOX®?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a popular minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure. This procedure is used to treat wrinkles in areas such as the forehead, frown, crow’s feet, and neck lines.
BOTOX® Cosmetic is the commercial name for Botulinum toxin, Type A. Botulinum can be safely used to treat migraines, muscle spasms, and excessive sweating. With little recovery time and nearly immediate results, BOTOX® Cosmetic can help you rejuvenate your face.
What Causes Wrinkles?
Factors such as age, heredity and sun exposure can cause wrinkles, as well as the primary cause which is repetitive muscle contraction. Your nerves release neurotransmitters. These chemicals send signals to other nerves, the brain, or muscles. Nerve impulses trigger muscles to contract. The toxin in BOTOX® Cosmetic blocks these nerve impulses to transmit, which temporarily stops the muscles from contracting.
What does the BOTOX® Cosmetic Procedure Involve?
Step 1:
We will thoroughly clean the treatment area with an alcohol-based cleanser. This procedure is typically not painful. However, if you are sensitive to pain, we may administer a topical anesthetic to help you remain comfortable throughout your procedure.
step 2:
We will ask you to contract the muscles in your face in order to decide the places where BOTOX® Cosmetic should be injected. The procedure generally takes 10 – 15minutes, but may vary depending what areas you wish to treat.
Step 3:
A very fine needle is used to inject small amounts of BOTOX® Cosmetic into your muscles in your face along the areas you wish to treat. If you did not receive an anesthetic, you may feel a minimal amount of stinging or burning throughout the procedure.
Step 4:
Immediately following the procedure, you will be able to resume normal activities. There may be some minor swelling, bruising, redness or numbness around the injected areas. You may also experience a headache if you received an injection in the forehead area. All symptoms are generally minor and should cease within a few days.
When Will I See Results?
With in a few days after the procedure you will start to see results, and the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles will decrease. These results typically lasts several months. |
| Back to Top |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
