Relieve Jaw Pain and Restore Comfort with TMJ Pain Treatment

Relentless headaches, jaw pain, and clicking sounds can make the simplest tasks a struggle. Chewing feels like a chore, speaking becomes uncomfortable, and focusing. Nearly impossible. These nagging symptoms can take a serious toll on your daily life, but relief is within reach.

Buena Vida Dental Studio offers temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) treatment in Tucson, Arizona, to ensure you can enjoy life again. Dr. Carlos Benavides and his team use Botox and custom nightguards to alleviate discomfort and restore jaw function. Visit our office today and start your journey toward a pain-free lifestyle.

What is TMJ pain?

Temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are crucial for your oral function—you can’t speak or chew without them! Unfortunately, like other joints in the body, the TMJs can fall victim to strain, injury, or infections, causing all manner of unpleasant symptoms. 

TMD is a complex condition that manifests differently from person to person. However, keep an eye on the following symptoms and schedule an appointment with our Tucson dental office: 

  • Unexplained tension headaches
  • Jaw pain or soreness
  • Clicks or pops when opening or closing your jaws
  • Locked jaws
  • Painful chewing
  • Constant pain in the ears, neck, face, and shoulders

The clear cause of TMD is unknown, but the triggers are well-documented. Chronic teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw injury, infection, misaligned teeth, etc., are common causes of TMJ pain. Whatever the cause, TMJ disorder can affect your quality of life and needs medical attention.

How is TMJ pain diagnosed?

TMJ pain is challenging to diagnose because the symptoms mimic other conditions. The jaw joint is also complex, so it takes a meticulous approach to understand the root of your discomfort. 

Dr. Benavides understands the complex relationship between jaw joints, bite alignment, muscles, and nerves. He combines advanced technology and hands-on expertise to determine the exact cause of your headaches and jaw pain. 

First, he’ll review your symptoms and evaluate your jaw alignment, muscle tenderness, and joint function, but he won’t stop there. To uncover the exact source of your discomfort, he incorporates advanced technology like the Tekscan® system. This digital diagnostic tool accurately maps your bite, measuring the timing and pressure of every tooth contact. It allows us to see imbalances that are invisible to the naked eye.

How do we treat TMJ pain?

With insights from your diagnosis, your Tucson TMJ pain dentist crafts a customized treatment plan that targets the underlying cause of your TMJ pain. 

TMJ pain treatment includes:

  • Nightguards: If you clench or grind your teeth at night, that pressure can strain your jaw joints and surrounding structures. A custom-fit nightguard cushions your teeth, prevents enamel wear, and allows your jaw muscles to rest and recover overnight. It’s a simple but powerful solution that gives your joints the downtime they need to heal.
  • Botox: Botox is a staple in facial esthetics but works wonders for TMJ pain. A few injections of Botox into the overactive jaw muscles help them relax, reducing the intensity of clenching. Botox eases tension headaches, facial discomfort, and jaw stiffness without “freezing” your ability to chew, speak, or smile.

Is it time to meet your Tucson TMJ dentist?

Chronic jaw pain and headaches affect eating, sleep, and overall quality of life. Ready to experience life without constant discomfort? Call Buena Vida Dental Studio at (520) 745-5577 and take the first step toward a healthy, pain-free smile.