Many people suffer from jaw and neck pain, chronic headaches, and other symptoms caused by the inflammation of the temporomandibular joint. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and difficult to manage. Fortunately, a safe and effective treatment option is available: Botox injections for TMJ. While there are different options to treat TMJ, Botox treatments are a safe and effective treatment option for TMJ pain relief.
At Oral Facial and Implant Specialists, we want you to enjoy a life free of TMJ pain. If you suffer from chronic jaw and neck pain, headaches, or other symptoms related to TMJ, we can help. If you are searching for TMJ treatment in Deer Park or Barrington, or if you are searching for oral surgeon Deer Park, oral surgeon Barrington, or an oral surgeon near me, we are here for you. Call us at (847) 381-0106 or complete the online booking form for a consultation.
What Is TMJD?
TMJD, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is a condition that affects the jaw, neck, and facial muscles. This joint connects the lower jaw to the skull and is responsible for opening and closing your mouth. This disorder can be caused by stress, injury, bruxism (teeth grinding), and arthritis. When this joint is irritated or strained, it can cause a variety of painful symptoms.
Commonly reported TMJ symptoms include
- Frequent headaches
- Neck pain
- Facial pain
- Clicking or popping in the jaw
- Difficulty chewing food
- Earache
- Pain when opening your mouth wide
Because the joint is used every day for talking and chewing, it can become irritated or inflamed from repetitive use or injury.
What Is Botox Treatment for TMJD?
Botox is made from a botulinum toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botox paralyzes the muscle it’s injected into, which prevents movement in the area. The most common use for Botox is to reduce wrinkles, but it has proven effective in relieving some of the symptoms of TMJD.
Botox is injected into the muscles surrounding the jaw joint (masseter and temporalis muscles) to relax the muscles and reduce tension. Relaxing these muscles relieves pressure on the joint, leading to decreased pain and improved range of motion. Botox treatments are generally well-tolerated, with few side effects. Typically, the results last three to four months before needing a touch-up treatment.
Botox is a great alternative treatment to invasive procedures such as arthroscopic surgery. Botox for TMJD is often recommended in combination with other treatments such as physical therapy and night guards. Together, these treatments can reduce the severity of TMJ symptoms.
Who Can Administer Botox?
Botox treatments should only be administered by a qualified, experienced professional. At Oral Facial and Implant Specialists, our board-certified oral surgeons are experienced in treating TMJD with Botox. We will provide a comprehensive evaluation to determine if Botox is the best option for your needs.
Will Botox Change My Appearance?
Botox will not change your appearance when used as a TMJD treatment. The injections are given directly into the muscles that control the jaw joint, so there is no change in facial appearance. TMJD can actually cause your jaw muscles to appear more swollen and tender, but Botox can reduce the tension in these muscles and therefore reduce this appearance.
What Are the Risks of Botox?
While Botox is generally a safe treatment, there are some potential risks associated with Botox treatments. The most common side effects include:
- Minor swelling at the injection site
- Bruising at the injection site
- Risk of infection if the injection isn’t administered in a clean environment
- Allergic reaction
At Oral Facial and Implant Specialists, we take all necessary precautions to ensure our Botox treatments are safe and effective.
Summary
- TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is a condition that affects the jaw, neck, and facial muscles.
- Symptoms include:
- Frequent headaches
- Neck pain
- Facial pain
- Clicking or popping in the jaw
- Difficulty chewing food
- Earache
- Pain when opening your mouth wide
- Botox is injected into the muscles surrounding the jaw joint (masseter and temporalis muscles) to relax the muscles and reduce tension.
- Relaxing these muscles relieves pressure on the joint, leading to decreased pain and improved range of motion.
Relieve Jaw Pain With Botox
If you’re looking for a trusted oral surgeon in the Deer Park or Barrington area to help you manage your chronic jaw and neck pain, contact Oral Facial and Implant Specialists today. Our team of experts will provide personalized care so you can get the relief you’re looking for.
If you are searching for TMJ treatment in Deer Park or Barrington, or if you are searching for oral surgeon Deer Park, oral surgeon Barrington, or an oral surgeon near me, we are here for you. Call us at (847) 381-0106 or complete the online booking form for a consultation. We look forward to helping you find relief from your TMJ symptoms!
Call UsFrequently Asked Questions
You can resume most normal activities after treatment.Avoid strenuous exercise and excessive heat, such as saunas, for 24 hours after Botox injections. It is also recommended to avoid lying down or putting pressure on the injected areas for at least 4 hours.
Botox typically lasts for three to four months, so it is recommended that you receive a touch-up injection every 3-4 months. However, this may vary depending on your individual needs.
Botox injections successfully relieve tension in the jaw muscles and reduce pain associated with TMJ. Results will vary from person to person, but most people find that their pain and discomfort is greatly reduced after receiving Botox injections.
Some insurance companies may cover the costs of Botox treatments for TMJD if your specific policy covers it. It is best to check with your insurance provider to determine what is covered.
No, Botox injections in the jaw muscles will not cause your face to sag. Injections into the masseter muscle are specifically targeted to reduce tension and pain, not to change the structure of your face.
No, Botox injections into the TMJ will not affect your smile. The injections are targeted to relax the muscles that control your jaw joint, which can help you prevent clenching and grinding but will not alter the shape of your face or change your smile.
Most people find that Botox injections are not painful. There may be some minor discomfort associated with the injections, but this is usually very brief and easily managed with a topical anesthetic or cold pack applied to the injection site.
