Botox is a safe and effective therapy for TMJ, also referred to as TMD. It can be quickly administered in our office, and sometimes patients feel immediate relief from the injection itself. Botox is often used in conjunction with other remedies for more comprehensive relief.
What is TMJ?
Temporomandibular disorder is characterized by chronic pain in the jaw area. The temporomandibular joint becomes inflamed by grinding of the teeth, and muscle clenching. This builds and elongates the masseter muscle, the muscle responsible for moving your jaw.
Enlarged (hypertrophied) masseter muscles can pull your bite out of alignment. This puts pressure on the jaw leading to inflammation and pain that can spread to your neck, shoulders, and back.
What are the symptoms of TMJ?
- pain and soreness while chewing
- popping sensation in the jaw
- headaches and dizziness
- numbness of the fingers
- pain behind the eyes
- ringing in the ears
- locked jaw
Botox is often used in conjunction with other therapies.
Patients will see the most success when botox is used as adjunct therapy to massage, diet and lifestyle changes, and use of splints or mouth guards. Oral appliances stabilize the jaw and protect teeth from grinding. Warm compresses and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs also help reduce swelling and pain. Sometimes physical therapy, stretching the jaw muscles, massage, and relaxation techniques are prescribed.
Botox can shrink enlarged muscles and diminish pain.
Botox is very safe, and the injection is almost painless. Patients usually experience improvement within 10 days, and the effects can last 3-6 months depending on the severity of the condition. Consecutive treatments can result in even longer intervals between treatments. Botox is best used in conjunction with modifications to diet and lifestyle, and oral appliances.
How does Botox for TMJ work?
Botulinum toxin type A, weakens the masseter muscle, reducing its tendency to clench and overcompensate. With less use, the muscle shrinks, and patients are less able to clench and grind in effect, leading to less inflammation and pain.
What are the side effects of Botox for TMJ?
The most common side effect is slight bruising where the injection occurred. Headaches are rare and usually disappear within 24 hours.
Botox for TMJ is quick and effective.
If you are suffering from TMJ, please book a consultation with Dr. Patt. Some of the associated symptoms could indicate other medical conditions. TMD/TMJ is common, but the condition rarely gets better without treatment.
Give us a call at 303-530-1212 to learn more about Botox for TMJ — and find out if you’re a candidate. You might be pleasantly surprised!
