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TMJ disorders can cause a lot of pain and discomfort in the jaw and muscles that control its movements. This can affect a person’s quality of life and make it painful to speak or even chew their food.
Luckily, if you are dealing with a TMJ disorder, there are solutions available that can help you relieve your discomfort. One of these solutions may sound surprising at first, but it doesn’t make it any less effective: Botox injections.
Keep reading to find out how Botox can help with TMJ pain, and what to expect after your treatment.
Botox is a muscle relaxant. It’s typically used in cosmetic treatments to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and prevent them from getting deeper. Once the muscles are injected with Botox, they are unable to contract as before, which helps the skin look younger.
The same principle applies when Botox is used for TMJ pain. Botox can relax the muscles, which are usually tense in TMJ disorders, effectively alleviating pain.
Some patients will need Botox as a complementary treatment to other TMJ disorder interventions such as mouthguards. But for many, Botox injections may be enough to address the pain altogether.
Getting Botox for TMJ is a very simple procedure that usually takes only about 10-20 minutes on average. Your Reno dentist will establish the most optimal injection areas based on your symptoms, though they usually include the jaw muscles, forehead, and temples.
Improvements can appear as soon as within a day or two following the treatment, but every patient is different. Some may need to wait a few days before they notice a change.
The great news is that Botox injections don’t require any complex aftercare. Patients should remain upright and avoid rubbing the injection sites for a few hours after the procedure to prevent the substance from spreading to other muscles.
Other than that, you can essentially resume your daily activities as soon as you leave the dentist’s office.
Some of the most common side effects of Botox TMJ treatment can include:
However, these side effects are temporary and Botox is considered a generally safe TMJ treatment alternative.
If you are dealing with TMJ pain, Botox may provide you with the relief you need. Dr. David Kelly and Dr. Kristin Kelly are here to help you access this alternative treatment and finally get rid of your TMJ pain.
To get started, book a Botox consultation at Blue Water Dental Care online.
Want to find out more about Botox injections or our other services? Then call us at (775) 329-8622.
