TMJ Therapy

TMJ Treatment in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Relief from Jaw Pain, Headaches & Facial Tension Starts Here

Chronic jaw tension, headaches, earaches, or a popping jaw may all point to TMJ disorder — a condition that affects the joints, muscles, and ligaments responsible for jaw movement. At Waccamaw Oral Surgery, we specialize in the evaluation and treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), helping patients throughout Murrells Inlet, SC and surrounding communities find lasting relief from pain and dysfunction.

Led by Dr. Lucia Covington, DMD, OMFS, we offer an advanced and personalized approach to TMJ therapy — including Botox injections, custom night guards, and high-tech diagnostics to accurately assess the cause of your symptoms.

TMJ vs. TMD
What's the Difference?

The TMJ is one of the most complex joints in the body. It allows your jaw to move up and down, side to side, and forward and back — enabling you to talk, chew, yawn, and even sing. When this joint or the muscles around it become strained or misaligned, it can result in TMD, leading to chronic pain and limited jaw function.

It’s common to hear people refer to jaw problems as “TMJ,” but technically:

TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint — the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull.
TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder) refers to problems affecting that joint, the surrounding muscles, ligaments, or nerves.

Common Symptoms of TMD and Myofascial Pain

Many people suffer from undiagnosed TMJ disorders. If you experience any of the following, you may benefit from an evaluation:

Pain or tenderness in the jaw, neck, or temples
Headaches (especially in the morning or around the temples)
Earaches or pressure in/around the ears
Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening/closing the mouth
Jaw locking or difficulty opening wide
Facial swelling or tenderness
Pain behind the eyes or near the sinuses
Worsening symptoms with stress, chewing, or yawning

These symptoms may stem from joint dysfunction, muscle overuse, teeth grinding (bruxism), or myofascial pain syndrome — all of which can be treated.

Our TMJ Treatment Options

Dr. Covington offers a multi-modal approach to TMJ care, focused on relieving pain, restoring function, and preventing long-term damage.

1. Botox Injections for TMJ Relief

Botox is not just for cosmetics — it’s a clinically proven treatment for muscle-related jaw tension and pain. By injecting Botox into the temporalis and masseter muscles, we can:

Reduce muscle tension and inflammation
Relieve headaches and jaw pain
Minimize clenching and grinding
Improve range of motion
Decrease jaw stress during sleep

Botox typically provides relief for 3–4 months, and patients often see significant improvement within a few days of treatment. It’s a great option for those who want non-surgical relief from chronic TMJ symptoms.

2. IV Conscious Sedation

For many patients, especially those who grind or clench at night, we recommend a custom hard acrylic night guard. This protective oral appliance helps:

Reduce nighttime grinding (bruxism)
Protect teeth from wear and fracture
Minimize pressure on the TMJ
Alleviate muscle fatigue and tension

Unlike over-the-counter guards, our night guards are digitally scanned and precisely fabricated to match your unique bite — with no messy impressions required. This approach enhances comfort, reduces gag reflex, and improves compliance.

How We Diagnose TMJ Disorders

Successful treatment begins with a proper diagnosis. At your consultation, Dr. Covington will perform:

A full clinical exam of your jaw function, alignment, and symptoms
A review of your medical and dental history
Digital imaging and scans to assess the joint, muscles, and bite
A discussion of any habits like clenching, posture issues, or trauma

From there, we develop a personalized treatment plan — which may include Botox, a custom guard, lifestyle modifications, or further evaluation for advanced surgical cases (rare).

Why Choose an Oral Surgeon for TMJ Treatment?

As a dual-trained oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Covington brings specialized knowledge of the jaw, facial muscles, and skeletal anatomy to every case. That expertise ensures your condition is correctly diagnosed and treated with the most appropriate, conservative methods first.

We do not over-treat — our goal is always to relieve pain with the least invasive, most effective solution available.

Financing

Insurance & Financing

TMJ treatment may be covered by medical or dental insurance, depending on the diagnosis and plan. Our team will verify your coverage and assist with all paperwork. We also offer CareCredit financing to make treatment more accessible.

Who's a Candidate for TMJ Therapy?

You may benefit from TMJ treatment if:

You’ve been diagnosed with TMD or myofascial pain
You suffer from frequent jaw pain, headaches, or teeth grinding
You’ve tried other therapies with limited success
You want to avoid surgery and try conservative options first

Have a perfect smile!

Find Long-Term Relief with Waccamaw Oral Surgery

You don’t have to live with jaw pain, tension headaches, or limited movement. If you suspect you’re suffering from TMJ or muscle-related facial pain, we encourage you to schedule a consultation today. We’re proud to offer advanced TMJ treatment in Murrells Inlet, SC, backed by medical expertise and compassionate care.