Botox® Treatment for Jaw Tension and TMJ

For residents of Encinitas, CA who suffer from TMJ disorders and the consequential jaw tension and pain, Botox® is a commonly used alternative treatment. Once injected into the afflicted facial muscles, Botox® relieves TMJ and jaw tension for many patients. Oftentimes, these injections eliminate headaches that are a result of teeth grinding. Botox® can even minimize lock-jaw in cases where severe stress is present. Despite Botox® treatment for these conditions being presently labeled as experimental, evidence indicates that Botox® can be immensely effective.

How Does Botox® Treat Jaw Tension and TMJ Disorder?

Situated on both the left and right side of the head at the point where the jawbone meets the skull, the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) is used for eating, swallowing, talking, and other common everyday activities. If this joint is overworked through excessive teeth grinding or somehow becomes displaced, severe tension headaches and sharp pain in the jaw may ensue. Botox® injections relieve jaw tension by prohibiting muscles from engaging in the often unconscious and powerful movement of the jaw that causes headaches and pain.

The alternative Botox® treatment for jaw tension and TMJ issues is usually a straightforward, quick, and effective process. Botox® is a non-surgical procedure. The injections are safely administered in the doctor’s office and no hospital stay is necessary. Within one or two days of their first treatment the majority of patients experience noticeable improvement. However, relief can take up to a week.

How long is a Botox® Treatment Procedure?

The length of any Botox® procedure is entirely dependent on the number of injections required, which will be determined by your doctor. However, most treatment procedures are expected to be complete within 10 to 30 minutes.

Is Botox® Painful?

Any pain resulting from Botox® treatment is due to injections. However, this pain is generally brief and minimal. Many patients compare pain from Botox injections to a bug bite or small needle-prick. Numbing the injection sites with cold packs or anesthetic cream will greatly reduce pain caused by injections and your doctor may also offer “Laughing Gas” if you have a phobia of needles.

What to Expect After Botox® TMJ Treatment?

Muscle tenderness caused by TMJ will begin to diminish almost immediately after a Botox® treatment. Wrinkles will also start to disappear within one to two days following the injections. You may even see wrinkles continue to dissipate up to one week after a Botox® treatment.

After a treatment, patients may experience mild temporary redness, numbness, or bruising around the injection sites. Most patients find that their appearance seems more relaxed and less rigid or angry/sad following treatment. It’s worth noting that a small number of patients witness no apparent difference in the reduction of wrinkles.

Recovery from Botox® Therapy for TMJ

Botox® for TMJ is a non-invasive and non-surgical procedure, so it is very likely that patients can return to their normal activities immediately after treatment. However, in order to prevent spreading the toxin to other muscles, patients should avoid massaging or rubbing the injected area and should remain upright for a certain period of time specified by the doctor. Patients should also avoid strenuous physical activity for a short period of time.

Limitations, Risks, and Possible Complications of Botox® for TMJ Treatment

As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects when undergoing Botox® treatment for TMJ. However, because Botox® is a non-surgical procedure, the possible complications are uncommon, minimal, and temporary.

The most frequently reported side effects of Botox® treatment are headaches, temporary eye-lid droop, nausea, respiratory infection, and flu syndrome. More infrequently reported side effects of Botox are redness at the injection site, muscle weakness, and pain. Too much Botox® around the mouth may also result in drooling. When they occur, these symptoms usually take place within the first week after treatment. There is also a chance of the body developing antibodies that would render the TMJ treatments exponentially less effective over time. Using the lowest effective dose possible over longer time intervals can reduce resistance. Botox® injections should be completely avoided during nursing, pregnancy, and lactation.

Call 760-202-5567 to request your appointment today! If you are a new patient, click here to learn about our $99 Dr. McElroy New Patient Dental Health Exam. This limited-time offer provides you with a professional dental cleaning, a complete oral exam with x-rays, and a thorough, educational treatment consultation with Dr. McElroy.