Botox and TMJ Disorder

What is TMJ Disorder?

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) on either side of your head connect your jaw to your skull and allow your jaw to function properly. These functions include opening and closing your mouth, chewing, and speaking. Since they can move in many different directions (forward, back, sideways), these joints are some of the most complex in your body. 

Inflammation of the jaw joint or other issues with these joints is called TMJ disorder. Patients suffering from this often experience pain, reduced motion of the jaw, difficulty chewing, and headaches. One of the most effective ways to treat TMJ disorder is through the use of Botox®. Botox® injections allow the muscles around the temporomandibular joints to relax, thereby relieving many of the disorder’s symptoms.  

We are proud to offer Botox® as a treatment option for our patients with TMJ disorder.  

What is Botox®?

Botox® is a neurotoxin derived from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. When used in a medical setting, Botox® temporarily freezes the targeted muscles, offering relief from a variety of health-related symptoms. Effects usually last between 3 and 4 months and, when combined with other therapeutic options, provides an effective treatment for conditions such as TMJ disorder, chronic migraines, and severe muscle spasms.  

Though many dentists can treat TMJ disorder, not all can offer Botox® as a treatment option. Call us today to find out if Botox® is right for you.                                                                                                                

Symptoms of TMJ

Symptoms of TMJ disorder include:  

• Pain (jaw, face, ears)

• Migraine-like headaches

• Pain and pressure behind eyes

• Pain, clicking, or popping when opening and closing the mouth

• Jaw issues (feels out of joint, sore muscles)

• Swollen face

Common causes of TMJ

Below are some of the common causes of TMJ disorder:

• Injury or dislocation

• Teeth clenching or grinding (often from stress)

• Poor posture

• Disk erosion

• Arthritis

• Poor tooth or jaw alignment

Benefits of Treatment

Pain Relief

If you've been living with TMJ, you’ve probably been modifying your life to minimize your symptoms. Headaches may limit your social engagements. Difficulty chewing may impact your diet. Discomfort may have you using more pain medication. Treatment can dramatically change your life for the better.  

In addition to Botox® injections, we also offer other TMJ disorder treatment options including:  

• Custom dental appliance - A bite plate or splint to keep your upper teeth from grinding against your lower teeth

• Orthodontic treatment - Because TMJ is related to tooth and jaw alignment issues, sometimes orthodontic treatment can help resolve the symptoms

• Hot and cold packs - Used with guidance from our team, hot and cold packs can help alleviate pain

• Muscle relaxing medications - Carefully prescribed muscle relaxing medications can relieve the tension in your jaw and the related pain

• Learning relaxation techniques - We share relaxation techniques to reduce the amount of tension you may unknowingly hold in your jaw

• Surgery - In more extreme cases, surgery may be needed to alleviate TMJ symptoms

Long-term Oral Health

TMJ disorder can cause long-term oral health issues like worn teeth, decayed teeth, or more serious joint damage. TMJ disorder due to grinding teeth at night can lead to broken teeth, while pain in the jaw may limit proper dental hygiene at home. Treatment restores proper function to help your jaw and mouth work as intended, so you can maintain good oral health.

Call Today

If you’re experiencing pain related to TMJ disorder, call us today to set up a consultation. Our team will assess your condition to determine if Botox® or another treatment option is right for you. Don’t wait to relieve your pain. Call today and let us help you find relief from TMJ disorder and its symptoms.

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