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Posts for: November, 2014

What Does My Jaw Pain Mean?

By drscotto@drscotto.com

November 17, 2014

Category: TMJ Treatment

Tags: Untagged

Our jaws are more delicate than we like to think. With all the moving parts and delicate structures that make up the TMJ (temporomandibular joint, or jaw joint), it’s prone to problems and discomfort. Add the fragile framework to the stress we experience each day, and they become a recipe for disaster.

Schenectady jaw pain

When we’re anxious, that anxiety has to find an outlet. Many of us end up clenching our muscles, typically without realizing what we’re doing. This may happen during the day, or during sleep. The end result is a sore, exhausted jaw, and potentially damaged jaw tissues.

If your jaw is in pain, it’s time to seek relief. Daily life isn’t as satisfying when you don’t feel quite like yourself. Typically simple activities like chewing and speaking may become difficult, and you’ll likely feel jaw muscle strain even when at rest. What’s the solution? That depends on the source of your pain. Dr. Robert Scotto offers TMJ treatment for patients fed up with their troublesome jaws.

What is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?

Referred to as either TMJ or TMD, a jaw disorder is an ongoing problem with your jaw’s function and structure. It may be caused by a wide variety of problems, from your occlusion (the way your upper and lower jaws fit together) to chronic bruxism (teeth grinding) to physical damage to the jaw joint. But no matter the cause, the result will be poor jaw function and ongoing discomfort.

jaw pain Schenectady

Schenectady TMJ Treatment

Our team is ready to help get your jaw back to normal. This may be accomplished in a few different ways:

Custom TMJ splint - Depending on the source of the problem, a custom mouth guard may be appropriate. This guard will help immobilize the lower jaw, preventing grinding and other harmful movements. It is worn at night.

Botox therapeutic - Botox brings welcome relief to patients who have struggled with jaw pain and found other treatment options ineffective. Injections at the jaw muscles will help relax the area, and prevent the muscles from working too hard. Your jaw will still function normally, but it won’t overdo it.

If you have any questions about your TMJ or your jaw pain, please, don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to helping you get back to life as usual.