Can Botox Help With TMJ

What Is TMJ Disorder?

TMJ, which is a temporomandibular joint disorder, occurs due to the temporomandibular joint becoming displaced or swollen. Individuals who suffer from a joint disorder such as TMJ, usually present with symptoms like pain, joint dysfunction, and pops or cracks that come from the affected joint.

Some other symptoms you may feel due to TMJ are:

• Sore cheeks and jaw
• Swelling in your face
• Pain around your neck and ears
• Clicking noise in your jaw when you open and close your mouth
• Headaches or migraines
• Clenching and grinding your teeth (bruxism)
• Ringing in your ears
• Neck and/or Shoulder pain
• Shocking type of facial pain

These issues may be caused by strained muscles or muscle groups that control chewing, swallowing, and speech. The mandible is very important to keep healthy. When problems like this arise, TMJ can cause interruptions to daily life.

What Is Botox

You may have heard of Botox and its uses for cosmetic injections but how does it work? Well the chemical is called Botulinum toxin type A also known as BTX-A. This biologic toxin works to inhibit the skeletal muscle through stopping the production of a neurotransmitter. The stop on the production of this neurotransmitter will stop the hyperactivity of the muscle. For this reason, it is known to cause temporary muscle paralysis and can stop individuals from further creating wrinkles on the forehead or around the eyes. Botox for TMJ is injected depending on the symptoms that are caused by the disorder.

Solutions For TMJ

Botox for TMJ can be very effective. This solution can be recommended as a complementary treatment to go along with other methods of addressing TMJ. Some of these other methods may be provided by your doctor or dentist. These include mouth guards and night guards or even physical therapy. However, sometimes all that is needed is a way to make your muscles relax.

One the muscles that cause TMJ relax due to your treatment, many symptoms will also start to ease up. The intensity of headaches will begin to either reduce in amount or stop, you may be more relaxed, and you can sleep easier with less symptoms.

Is It Effective

Because of its ability to cause muscle paralysis, it is a very effective tool to help treat the symptoms that come with TMJ. According to a study done in 2017, Botox injections decrease clicks and other TMJ related symptoms such as hyperactivity, pain, and dysfunction of the joint. If you are looking for a solution, although temporary, Botox for TMJ is effective in treating symptoms for 3-4 months.

What To Expect

Before your Botox appointment for TMJ, you will get a chance to speak with your professional about any questions you may have about the procedure. It is important to voice your questions or concerns with your dentist before receiving the procedure.

One the treatments are done, you should expect results to happen immediately after the injection. You should also expect a quick healing time after the Botox is injected. Some patients may experience mild pain or tingling on and around the injection site but these symptoms should go away within a few days.

After this, you will notice a reduction in your TMJ symptoms for on average 3-4 months. After this, you will begin to feel more symptoms and want to schedule another appointment to continue the treatment.

Botox For TMJ In Westport CT

Our team is here to help! We offer services to treat TMJ and its symptoms. If you are interested in care, reach out to our dental office in Westport, CT.

Our friendly and competent staff is dedicated to patient comfort and quality care. We provide the best and latest in dental technology and treatment options. Our staff provides gentle, family oriented dental care to the adults and children of this community. We utilize the best equipment sterilization techniques available to dentists and are always happy to help.