Botox for TMJ
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a condition that affects the chewing muscles in your jaw and temples, and the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. It can cause a range of symptoms, including pain, discomfort, jaw locking, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth. Additionally, some TMJ sufferers experience jaw popping and crunching sounds. . There are a wide range of treatment options available for TMJ, one of them being Botox. This injection is a promising treatment option for certain patients. In this article, we will explore the use of Botox for TMJ, determining if Botox is the right treatment option for you,
how it works, and its potential benefits.
What is Botox?
Botox is a neuromodulator, also known as botulinum toxin. It acts as a muscle relaxant that works by blocking the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that signals muscles to contract. This results in a partial and temporary paralysis of the muscles, which can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including wrinkles, excessive sweating, migraines and muscle spasms.
How does Botox work for TMJ?
When Botox is injected into the muscles that control the jaw, it can help to relax the muscles and reduce the severity of TMJ symptoms. Specifically, Botox works by blocking the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, which reduces the strength and sometimes the size of the jaw muscles . This can help to relieve the tension and pain associated with TMJ, as well as reduce the intensity of jaw clenching and tooth grinding (also known as bruxism) .
Is Botox right for me & my TMJ?
Botox injections, along with other therapeutic injections, are offered by Dr. Nojan in his NYC specialist office. Before Botox is provided, patients will first have a thorough consultation with Dr. Nojan. At your first visit to our office, Dr. Nojan and his team will thoroughly examine your jaw, face, TMJ, bite, and mouth. This may include a 3D CBCT of your TMJ to rule-out some other conditions. This will help determine the source and cause of your TMJ, and open the door to a customized treatment solution. If Dr. Nojan decides that Botox injections are not right for you, he will instead offer alternative treatments such as trigger point injections, oral appliances, medications, and physical therapy. .
What are the potential benefits of Botox for TMJ?
There are several potential benefits of using Botox for TMJ, including:
- Reduced pain and discomfort: Botox can work directly on pain pathways and pain transmitters. Similar to the way it works in patients’ with migraine headaches
- Reduced jaw muscle strength and size: this can reduce the forces of jaw clenching and grinding and therefore protect the jaw and teeth
- Improved range of motion of the jaw: making it easier to open and close the mouth.
- Esthetic improvement in the jaw size and shape .
What can patients expect during Botox injections for TMJ?
Before any Botox injections are performed, Dr. Nojan will ensure that you have been properly evaluated and that Botox is in fact the proper treatment option for you. This evaluation will help to determine the appropriate dosage and injection sites for the Botox. The injection itself typically takes only a few minutes, and patients may experience some mild discomfort at the injection site for a day.
The full therapeutic effects of the Botox will take several weeks to fully manifest.
Are there any risks or side effects associated with Botox for TMJ?
As with any medical procedure, there are some risks and potential side effects associated with Botox for TMJ. These may include:
Mild pain or discomfort at the injection site. This usually only lasts a day or two.
Bruising at the injection site. This is rare unless you tend to bruise easily in general.
Temporary weakness or paralysis of nearby smiling muscles. Dr. Nojan has developed a protocol of only injecting in the safe zone, to minimize this from occurring.
Botox injections are only one of the many TMJ treatment options offered by Dr. Nojan, who is a TMJ, TMD, Oral & Facial Pain Specialist in NYC. If you believe you are suffering from TMJ disorder, call our office or schedule your first appointment online to begin your TMJ healing journey!