TMD Treatmentin Newport Beach

Dr. Vartanian has safely and effectively used splint therapy and BOTOX to treat chronic myofascial and TMJ pain for years.

TMD Treatments

At the Newport Institute for Dentistry, treatment for tooth wear issues, clenching, and grinding. We utilize porcelain veneers, dental implants, BOTOX therapy, and occlusal appliances like mouthguards to restore teeth and manage issues like TMD in Newport Beach.

What is TMD?

TMD stands for Temporomandibular disorders, which are a group of over thirty chronic conditions involving the jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints, and myofascial nerves. It is sometimes referred to as TMJ, which is another term for the temporomandibular joints. There are many reasons why TMD develops, ranging from psychological to genetic, but here are the three most common:

Myofascial pain

Caused by chronic, involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth. This is the most common cause of TMD.

Internal derangement of the joint

A dislocated jaw or displacement of the cartilage between the jaw bone and the skull, typically trauma-based.

Degenerative joint disease

Rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis can cause TMD in elderly patients.

What are signs of TMD?

Headaches
Jaw discomfort or soreness
Pain in the face, shoulder, neck, or ears
Clicking, popping, or locked jaw
Teeth clenching or grinding
Teeth sensitivity without signs of periodontal disease

What is BOTOX?

BOTOX is a type of protein called a neuromodulator that, in simple terms, blocks nerve impulses from communicating with muscles.

The result is that the muscles injected with BOTOX don’t contract, and experience a kind of temporary paralysis.

When administered by a professional with extensive knowledge of myofascial anatomy and significant dental expertise, BOTOX can be an extremely effective TMJ treatment in Newport Beach.

How does BOTOX treat TMD?

Dr. Vartanian carefully administers BOTOX to relax the muscle contractions that cause chronic pain from clenching and grinding. When appropriate, bite splints, otherwise known as mouthguards, are used in tandem. Seeking a dentist with extensive training and skill is a must, because incorrect application of BOTOX can make it difficult to talk, eat, or close your mouth. Dr. Vartanian has almost three decades of experience and a vast knowledge of the entire myofascial structure. In addition to knowing precisely which muscles to target, Dr. Vartanian utilizes local anesthetics to ensure that the procedure is painless.

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BOTOX aftercare

BOTOX is a fairly quick treatment with little to no downtime. Patients should avoid putting pressure on their faces for at least 24 hours after receiving BOTOX. They should also refrain from excessively hot temperatures for at least a day.

This means avoiding things like saunas, hot beverages, direct sun, and jacuzzis. A little swelling and redness are completely normal and should subside within a day or two.

Are there other ways to treat TMD?

If BOTOX isn’t medically recommended for you, or if you prefer to explore non-invasive methods, there are multiple alternatives to try. Before suggesting a treatment, Dr. Vartanian will work with you to find the root cause of your TMD. Teeth clenching can often be connected to stress, and some alternatives are not ostensibly dental. Some of our methods for TMD treatment in Newport Beach are:

Stress management through therapy
Jaw and facial relaxation exercises
Lifestyle changes
Restorative dental treatments
Mouth guard or night guard