21 Nov Botox for TMJ

Botox for TMJ

Botox® is becoming highly popular for treating TMJ, a condition that impacts the joints connecting your skull to the jawbone. When a TMJ issue arises, it can cause discomfort in the neck, jaw, and head. Botox® for TMJ helps relieve pain and tension in the affected area and eases the functioning of movements like eating, swallowing, and talking. For most people, Botox® is a wrinkle relief treatment. However, this FDA-approved procedure has many other medical capabilities as well, including treatment of TMJ. Botox® is a neuromodulator substance that can block nerve signals from the brain to calm overactive muscles and movements. This makes it a potent treatment option for TMJ.

The Botox® injection works to block acetylcholine around the jaw, a chemical that would otherwise signal the muscles to contract. Botox® can temporarily paralyze those muscles and reduce clenching or grinding that contribute to TMJ (or temporomandibular joint) pains, spasms, and tensions. The procedure isn’t painful, minimally invasive, takes about 15 minutes per sitting, and you’d need a few sessions periodically to avoid the problem.

A qualified dentist will administer the injections around different points of the jaw, the effect of which can last a few months. It will require re-administration as with any other Botox® treatment for improved results.  However, Botox® for TMJ might not work with all patients. Your dentist will comprehensively evaluate your situation to determine whether or not it is suitable for you. Also, Botox® isn’t a permanent solution for TMJ, so you would want to keep that in mind when exploring the alternatives for TMJ treatment.

Weigh in the potential pros and cons before making the decision. Some patients experiencing mild bruising, swelling, and a little weakness after the session. It might take some to recover from the effects of the procedure completely, so make sure you understand the ins and outs of it before walking into your dentist’s office to get the treatment done.

Also, enlisting an experienced dentist to perform this procedure. Botox® can significantly relieve TMJ symptoms like pain or tenderness in the jaw, around the ears, or while chewing. So, schedule a consultation with a skilled Iroquois Dental Center dentist today to get started. Call 630-416-0780, and we will help you explore your options.