Suffering from TMJ?
Many people suffer from mild to moderate level of facial pain, whether it is from headaches, migraines, stress, their bite or TMJ dysfunction. Find out how Botox® may effectively relieve TMJ Syndrome, migraine headaches and a wide range of facial pain symptoms.
What Exactly is TMJ Syndrome?
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, commonly referred to as TMJ or TMD occurs when there is a derangement in the normal functioning of the Temporomandibular Joint. Repetitive behaviors such as teeth grinding or clenching, gum chewing, fingernail biting, or stress lead to enlargement of the head and neck muscles.
This disorder and dysfunction results in significant pain and impairment for many individuals. Symptoms include, grinding, migraines, chronic headaches, earaches, facial pain, and damage to the teeth. Traditional treatments for TMJ include the use of bite guards, removal of wisdom teeth, and full mouth reconstructions. These treatments usually result in limited success. Botox® and trigger point injections in the head and neck muscles are very effective treatments for TMJ Syndrome, headaches, and facial pain.
What’s Involved in Botox® TMJ Therapy and Treatments?
If you have TMJ Syndrome, headaches, or migraine pain, and your healthcare professional determines you are a candidate for this treatment, your specific diagnosis and the severity of your condition will dictate how much Botox® you may require.
Botox® is injected into the affected head and neck muscles. Botox® blocks nerve signals that cause muscle movements, essentially relaxing the muscles and reducing or eliminating facial pain.
Botox® injections take only a few minutes and should be effective for 3 to 6 months. Symptoms may return 3 to 6 months after initial treatment. With a series of treatments, Botox® can retrain your muscles to relax and you may notice your symptoms resolve for longer periods of time.
You may also notice your facial esthetics can improve. The jaw may even slim down, creating a beautiful esthetic effect.
The Facts
- Botox® treatment for TMJ typically takes just a few minutes depending on the number of injections needed.
- Patients may begin to see results from their treatment with Botox® within 3-5 days following the procedure.
- The effects of treatment last for approximately 3-6 months. After 2-3 treatments with Botox, many patients lose the habit which accompanies the repetitive grinding or clenching.
- The use of Botox® is very safe, however, as with any medical procedure there are possible risks and side effects to be aware of when using Botox® for TMJ treatment.