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Jaw pain can be chronic and interfere with your daily life. At Cope Cosmetic Dermatology, our team can help you find relief with easy non-surgical treatments.
What is Jaw-Related Pain?
Jaw-related pain is a common problem and can have a variety of causes. It’s typically experienced as achiness, clicking, stiffness, or shooting pain when opening and closing the jaw. It may become worse when biting or chewing or during times of high stress. Fortunately, surgery is not typically needed to treat jaw-related pain.
Types of Jaw-Related Pain
Grinding and Clenching
Grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw are common behaviors if you’re stressed, frustrated, or anxious. Some people also grind or clench while sleeping, meaning they’re unaware that they do it except for painful symptoms during waking hours.
TMJ
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the joint upon which your jaw hinges. When it becomes swollen, painful, and irritated because of clenching or excessive activity, it can cause problems like clicking, popping, or stiffness.
Migraines
One common cause of migraines is jaw pain which can cause tension and chronic pain in other areas. Some people experience migraines as a result of jaw pain from chronic stress.
What Causes Jaw-Related Pain?
One of the most common causes of jaw-related pain is swelling and wear on the TMJ, or the joint that attaches the jawbone to the skull. Chronic grinding and clenching can cause this joint to swell and become stiff. When this joint becomes inflamed, it can put painful pressure on the jaw and cause difficulties chewing or opening the mouth. Jaw-related pain can also be genetic or caused by injury.
What Are My Treatment Options for Jaw-Related Pain?
Injectable treatments like BOTOX® can be used to reduce jaw-related pain by relieving muscle tension. BOTOX works by blocking chemical movement signals in the muscle, preventing movement and relaxing tension. This can help reduce the ability to grind or clench, allowing inflammation to go down in the joint. Many patients experience relief from symptoms without surgery or downtime.
Maintaining Your Treatment with Jaw-Related Pain
BOTOX for TMJ and jaw pain must be maintained every 3-4 months. Additionally, it’s recommended to consult your dentist for a bite guard to prevent damage to your enamel from grinding and clenching if you don’t already have one. Our experienced team can help you understand your treatment plan and when to return for your next injection.
DR. AUSTIN COPE, MD, MBA
Born and raised in Utah, Dr. Austin Cope is a highly trained and passionate cosmetic dermatologist dedicated to helping you age gracefully. At Cope Cosmetic Dermatology, our team is here to ensure that you not only look your best but also feel confident and empowered in your own skin.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
Ready to feel more like yourself again? Dr. Cope combines expert care with a relaxed, personal approach to help you age gracefully and regain your confidence. Let’s create a personalized plan just for you. Reach out through our online form or give us a call.
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