TMJ Therapy

If you’re experiencing chronic jaw pain, difficulty chewing, or persistent headaches, a TMJ disorder may be the root cause. At Parkway Oral Surgery, our experienced surgeon is here to help diagnose and treat TMJ disorders so you can get back to living and eating comfortably.

Overview

What is TMJ disorder?

TMJ disorder (TMD) affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. When this joint is compromised, it can lead to symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing or speaking. TMJ disorders can result from a variety of factors, including:

Jaw injuries or trauma
Teeth grinding (bruxism), often linked to stress
Misalignment of the teeth or jaw
Arthritis or joint conditions
In some cases, genetics can increase your likelihood of developing TMD

The case for TMJ Therapy

If left untreated, TMJ disorders can cause long-term damage to the jaw joint and lead to chronic pain, headaches, and more serious issues like jaw misalignment. Seeking treatment early is key to preventing these complications and improving your quality of life. At Parkway Oral Surgery, we offer comprehensive care that may include custom splints, physical therapy, medications, and advanced options like injections or surgical procedures, depending on your individual needs.

When to consider TMJ Therapy

You may need treatment if you experience:

Persistent jaw pain or soreness
Frequent headaches or migraines, especially those linked to jaw tension
Clicking or popping sounds when chewing or opening your mouth
Difficulty moving the jaw or locking
Teeth grinding (often while sleeping)
Neck, shoulder, or ear pain

If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to schedule a consultation with our team. We can determine the best course of treatment to relieve your pain and prevent further damage to your jaw.

Jaw Botox

Real results from our patients

Jaw Botox can do more than relieve pain. For many patients, treatment with Botox injections to the masseter and temporalis muscles produces visible changes to facial contours alongside meaningful, lasting relief from chronic jaw pain, headaches, and clenching. See for yourself.

About this patient

This patient received Botox injections to the masseter and temporalis muscles to treat chronic jaw clenching and associated headaches. The after photo was taken following three Botox sessions. Notice the softening of facial contours in the jaw and temple areas as the overactive muscles responded to treatment. He reported relief from jaw pain and headaches after his very first session, with results continuing to improve over time.

Before

After

Photo consent obtained.

What our patients are saying

If it were possible to give 6 stars… I would. I have had clenching issues for years with overdevelopment of the musculature used to chew. Not to mention constant headaches and multiple broken crowns due to such a heavy clenching force. Dr. Mahmood took one look at me and informed me that he had the perfect treatment for ALL OF MY ISSUES. It still shocks me how much better my bite relationship feels, how much better the musculature in my temple region and lower jaw region appear, and how my continual headaches have literally disappeared.

The treatment: BOTOX into the closing musculature of my jaws. I fly from Phoenix, Arizona just to be seen by Dr. Mahmood and to be quite honest, he is more than worth the time and cost of airfare. I can’t say enough about how much better this has made my quality of life and the quality of my sleep. I was clenching so hard at night that I literally would wake up from the pain. Thank you a million times to Dr. Mahmood for his expertise, diagnostic skill and professionalism. I am extremely happy and very impressed.

Are you a candidate for jaw Botox?

You may benefit from Botox injections to the masseter and temporalis muscles if you experience any of the following:

Pain in the lower jaw, neck, or temple regions
Discomfort with mouth opening or chewing
Frequent headaches related to jaw tension
A feeling of tightness or pressure in the jaw
Teeth grinding or clenching, especially at night This safe, quick, in-office procedure can provide relief lasting six to nine months. Most patients experience a softening of the jaw and temple muscles that in many cases does not require re-treatment within that window.

Comprehensive TMJ disorder evaluations

Diagnosing TMJ disorders

Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons have advanced training and experience in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders. We offer compassionate care, the latest technology, and a commitment to helping you find relief—whether that means a custom nightguard or surgical intervention.

During your consultation, your oral surgeon will:

Review your medical and dental history
Perform a physical exam of your jaw and facial muscles
Possibly order imaging like X-Rays, CT Scans, or an MRI for a detailed look at your joint structure

This comprehensive evaluation helps us pinpoint the issue and design a treatment plan that’s right for you.

TMJ Therapy options at Parkway Oral Surgery

At Parkway Oral Surgery, we offer several treatments to relieve the symptoms of TMJ disorder, including:

Custom splints or nightguards to reduce teeth grinding and relieve pressure on the joint
Physical Therapy to strengthen muscles and improve jaw movement
Medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants
Stress management techniques to reduce jaw clenching
Injections for pain relief and inflammation reduction
Surgical intervention may be necessary in more advanced cases to repair or reposition the jaw

Our team will work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

FAQs about TMJ Therapy

What is the difference between TMJ and TMD?

TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint itself, while TMD (temporomandibular disorder) refers to any condition that causes pain or dysfunction in that joint or the surrounding muscles. People often use “TMJ” to describe the disorder, but technically “TMD” is the correct term.

How long does TMJ disorder treatment take to
show results?

Treatment timelines vary depending on the severity of your condition. Most patients begin to experience relief within a few weeks to months. If surgery is required, recovery may take longer, but we will provide clear guidance and support throughout the process.

Is TMJ disorder treatment painful?

Our treatments are designed to be as comfortable as possible. While adjusting to a nightguard or beginning physical therapy may cause some temporary discomfort, these treatments are generally well-tolerated. If surgical treatment is necessary, we provide pain management options to ensure a smooth recovery.

Can TMJ disorder go away on its own, or does it
require treatment?

Mild TMJ symptoms may improve with self-care or rest. However, for more persistent or severe cases, professional treatment is typically necessary to prevent the condition from worsening. If left untreated, TMJ disorders can lead to chronic pain and further damage to the jaw joint.

Can TMJ disorders cause headaches or ear pain?

Yes. TMJ disorders can lead to tension headaches, migraines, earaches, and a feeling of fullness in the ears due to the joint’s close connection to facial and cranial nerves and muscles.

Does insurance cover TMJ disorder treatment?

Insurance coverage varies depending on your plan. Many dental insurance policies cover nightguards or splints, while medical insurance may cover treatments like physical therapy or injections. We recommend discussing your treatment options with our office so we can help you understand your insurance benefits and provide payment options if necessary.

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