A neurotoxin protein known as Botox may be used to treat TMJ disorder symptoms. In the event that other treatments have failed, you might gain the most from this one. Continue reading to find out more about using Botox to treat TMJ issues.

Botox benefits for TMJ disorder

Botox can be injected by a doctor into different jaw muscles. This causes the muscles to become paralyzed, which aids in relaxation and lessens symptoms like clenching and grinding of the teeth. Consequently, a person’s TMJ-related symptoms might get better.

According to a review of 24 studies, Botox injections can lessen TMJ symptoms like pain, a clicking jaw, hypermobility and hyperactivity, and restricted jaw movement.

Botox, however, doesn’t cure TMJ problems. It is a short-term remedy that loses its effectiveness over time. Every few months, the procedure must be repeated for the effects to last.

Effectiveness

Botox has been shown in numerous studies to be effective in treating TMJ pain and reducing symptoms related to TMDs. However, more research is required to more accurately evaluate the outcomes and efficacy of Botox.

Botox is efficient, but other, more tried-and-true, conservative treatments need to be tried before Botox. Botox may be a better option if these treatments are ineffective.

What to expect

Any anxiety you may have before a procedure can be reduced by knowing what to anticipate so you know what to prepare for. The procedure is typically carried out in the doctor’s office.

• Before treatment

Your medical professional will discuss your symptoms, the location of your pain, and all the risks involved with the procedure. The professional will then decide the number of injections required and where they should be administered. Before giving the injection, your doctor may use a cold pack to numb the injection area or apply numbing cream to the site. Only prickly sensations akin to insect bites should be experienced during injections.

• During treatment

Injections are carried out using an electrode injection needle under the supervision of electromyography (EMG). Transcutaneous (through the skin) injections are administered to the masseter and temporalis muscles, which move the temporomandibular joint during chewing. The pterygoid muscle is reached using an intramuscular injection.

Depending on the number of injections you need, the procedure may take a different amount of time, but it typically lasts between 10 and 30 minutes.

• After

After the procedure, you’ll notice that the TMD-related muscle tenderness quickly goes away. You can then resume your regular activities, but for a few hours after the injections, avoid touching the area and maintain an upright position to prevent spreading the Botox injection to other muscles.

There should be 12 weeks of effects. After about four weeks, you might be asked to come back for an assessment to determine whether booster injections are necessary.

Final word

Discuss all of your treatment possibilities with your healthcare provider. Combining treatments may be beneficial for you, or you might need to try a few different ones before you find one that helps.

Call Time To Smile at (310) 475-5598 right away to make an appointment with Dr. Sid Solomon and discuss your symptoms to decide the best course of action. All of our TMJ surgeries and treatments are approved by the American Dental Association. We determine the patient’s ideal bite using computer mandibular scanning (CMS), surface electromyography (SEMG), and sonography through a K7 device.