How Does Botox Help With TMJ?

Botox is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the US, with over 4.4 million procedures in 2020 alone. The procedure is incredibly effective against wrinkles, crow’s feet, and high lip lines. But did you know that the uses of Botox supersede the aesthetic? That’s right; medical professionals have used Botox injections for managing disorders, muscle spasms, and excessive sweating. In today’s article, we’ll explain the Botox treatment and look at how it can help with TMJ symptoms. Let’s dive right in.

What Is Botox?

Botox in Mission Viejo, scientifically known as botulinum toxin, is a naturally occurring neurotoxin produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. Within the medical realm, this neurotoxin has found versatile applications, temporarily inducing muscle paralysis. Its multifaceted uses range from wrinkle reduction to the treatment of neuromuscular disorders.

What Is TMJ?

TMJ disorder describes a condition affecting the temporomandibular (TMJ) joint, which connects your jawbone to your skull and acts like a sliding hinge. TMJ disorders are a cluster term for a group of conditions that cause pain and discomfort in the temporomandibular joint. Some common symptoms of TMJ disorders include:

• Pain and tenderness in the jaw
• Difficulty chewing
• Headaches
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Tinnitus (ear ringing) and earaches
• Teeth clenching and grinding

Is Botox Effective Against TMJ?

Yes, Botox is highly effective against TMJ disorders. However, it’s mostly used as a complementary treatment for TMJ therapies. It provides temporary pain relief from the pain associated with TMJ by relaxing the muscles involved in jaw movement. 

Botulinum toxin prevents the body from releasing acetylcholine, which is a chemical neurotransmitter that sends signals to the brain to cause muscle contractions. This causes the jaw muscles to relax and reduce the pain and symptoms associated with TMJ disorders. Within a few days of Botox testament, you’ll start to notice:

• Fewer and less frequent headaches
• Better sleep with reduced teeth clenching
• Reduced teeth sensitivity
• Reduced pain in your jaws

What To Expect During Botox Treatment

Here’s what you should expect when getting Botox for your TMJ:

The Consultation and Assessment

First things first, the dentist will examine your medical history and symptoms to decide the suitability of the treatment. If suitable, the dentist will create a treatment plan that outlines the dosage and injection areas.

The Preparation and Botox Injection

Next, the dentist will apply a desensitizing cream on the affected area to numb the region. They’ll then use a fine needle to inject Botox into these areas as indicated in the treatment plan. 

Post-Injection Care

After the injection, your Mission Viejo dentist will instruct you on how to care for the infected region. They’ll advise you to rest for the first 24 hours after the injection. They’ll also discourage you from rubbing the affected region to keep the Botox from spreading to unwanted regions of the face.

Schedule Your Botox Treatment Today!

Botox injections are an excellent complementary treatment for your TMJ disorder to boost other therapies. The treatment is completely safe and only takes ten minutes. Plus, you could also use the opportunity to address those pesky wrinkles for a more youthful appearance.

Contact Bear Coast Dentistry today to schedule your botox injections and mitigate your TMJ symptoms for a more comfortable life.