Does Botox treat TMJ?
Are you suffering with relentless aching and pain in your jaw? We have some shocking news on a treatment that might be your answer to those stubborn symptoms.
That’s right, it’s Botox! Botox, also known as Botulinum toxin, is a medication that is commonly used to temporarily paralyze muscle activity. The results of Botox for TMJ pain relief have been proven hugely successful.
What is TMJ?
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a condition that negatively affects the jaw and the muscles surrounding it, causing pain and discomfort. The symptoms include aching, unusual sounds when eating or speaking, lack of sleep. Some people with TMJ may also experience headaches, facial pain, and difficulty opening and closing the jaw. The most common causes of TMJ are clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth, injuries to the jaw, osteomyelitis and over-use.
Botox is not yet FDA approved but has been used off-label to treat TMJ by injecting it into the muscles of the jaw to reduce muscle activity and tension. This can help to alleviate pain and improve jaw function. The specific muscle we are targeting is called the masseter. This muscle is located right behind your molars. It is responsible for speaking, chewing, and clenching in stressful situations.
Botox injections can not only help decrease jaw tension and the resulting pain, but it can also relax the muscle enough that you’re unable to grind your teeth or clench your jaw through stress. It’s important to note that Botox is not a permanent solution and the effects of the treatment typically wear off after a few months.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you are interested in finally treating that nagging pain, we would be more than happy to help! It is very important to seek the help of a qualified medical professional who is familiar with the use of Botox to treat TMJ and can determine if this treatment is appropriate for you.
Our fully licensed and experienced MD, Dr. Arash Akhavan will be able to advise you on the potential risks and benefits of the treatment and help you make an informed decision.
