TMJ is a painful condition of the jaw that can be disturbing if not addressed. The temporomandibular joint connects your skull to your jawbone, and it works like a hinge that slides back and forth. There are two joints, located on both sides of your jaw. Not only can TMJ lead to pain; it can also limit the mobility you have in the muscles that are responsible for jaw movement. Although the direct cause of TMJ is difficult to ascertain, there is a combination of factors that typically lead to it. One treatment that’s finding promise is Botox for TMJ.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder:
- Aching around and in your ear
- Tenderness or pain of the jaw
- Pain in either one or both of the joints themselves
- Difficulty chewing or pain associated with chewing
- Complete locking up of the joint, which makes it difficult to open and close the mouth
- Facial pain
TMJ can also be accompanied by a grating or clicking sound when you chew or open your mouth. If you have clicking, but there is no associated pain, then treatment might not be necessary.
For the most part, TMJ is not a serious condition. It is typically approached by treating the symptoms themselves and the pain from it. For patients who do not find relief with over-the-counter medications and pain relievers, Botox might be a viable solution.
What is Botox?
Botox is a substance that is formulated from the toxin bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The toxin is better known as a food-borne illness called botulism. By using just a small amount, it works by paralyzing or weakening certain muscles or nerves where it is injected. For TMJ specifically, it impedes the nerves and muscles that cause pain and mobility limitations.
Is It Effective?
According to a 2012 study, Botox significantly worked to increase mouth mobility and decrease pain for three months following injections. Two other studies, conducted in 2003 and 2008, found that Botox helped to improve the symptoms for 90% of those patients who found no relief from traditional TMJ treatments. The treatment takes only about 10-30 minutes. The injections are centered around the temple, jaw muscles, and forehead. If warranted, the dentist might inject other specifically-targeted areas for relief. Results may take up to two days, with full relief found within the first several days. There is no downtime for Botox treatment for TMJ, so you can return to your regular activities immediately.
Are There Any Side Effects to Using Botox for TMJ?
Adverse side effects to the use of Botox are typically rare and not serious. They include:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Flu-like feeling
- Respiratory infection
- Pain
- Redness and/or bruising around the injection site
- Muscle weakness
At Tatum Dentistry, we continually strive to find the most effective and lasting treatments for our patients. We offer Botox treatment to help relieve your TMJ symptoms and consider it a viable solution, especially when combined with other therapies. Contact our office today to discuss how we can get you on the road to recovery from your TMJ symptoms.
