WHAT IS BOTOX TREATMENT FOR TMD/TMJ?

TMD, also known as temporomandibular joint dysfunction, is a common condition that causes the hinge joint that attaches the lower jaw to the skull to become painful, stiff or inflamed. This can be caused by routine grinding, clenching and simply because of aging. In order to relieve the stiffness and discomfort that you're experiencing, Botox injections can be used. These injections relieve the tension of the jaw, allowing it to function more freely without the pain that's often involved. 

WHY IS BOTOX TREATMENT FOR TMD/TMJ NEEDED?

TMJ dysfunction and disorder is incredibly common. It can be caused by a number of factors, but the bottom line is that it causes a person to be in pain and severe discomfort. The pain may come and go when opening and closing your mouth, or it might be constant and persistent regardless of the jaw's position. Botox is an essential treatment that can essentially get back your quality of life. The injections are safe and effective, providing relief of TMD for many months.

WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR BOTOX TREATMENT FOR TMD/TMJ?

We will carefully examine the TMJ area and take x-rays as needed. We will feel the joint as you open and close your mouth and listen for any popping, grinding or cracking. If we feel that you would benefit from Botox injections, we will suggest this as part of your treatment. In order to fully relieve TMD, we may suggest other types of treatments as well.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING BOTOX TREATMENT FOR TMD/TMJ?

The Botox procedure begins with a topical anesthetic applied to the jaw area. This helps to minimize pain during the injections. We then inject Botox several times in the jaw area. You will experience immediate results that get better over the course of the first few days. You can experience relief of tension and stiffness for many months after the injections have been done. In order to keep the TMJ area feeling its best, it is important that you come back in to have additional Botox injected as part of a retreatment plan.

If you would like to learn more about how Botox works to treat TMJ dysfunction, contact us today so that one of our staff members can further assist you.