Tackle TMJ-related Symptoms with Botox Injections

Are you suffering from chronic jaw pain and inconsolable headaches? If the cause is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), Simarro Brothers Dental Care may recommend a surprising treatment option—Botox injections!

Although you know Botox as a cosmetic treatment for eliminating wrinkles, this neurotoxin has numerous therapeutic benefits. When administered into the jaw muscles in small doses, it relaxes the overactive muscles, reducing TMJ symptoms. Sounds good? Learn more about Botox and TMJ pain by scheduling an appointment with Drs. Nathan and Ryan Simarro.

What is TMJ pain?

When you think of joints in your body, you likely think of the hips, shoulders, and knees—the larger joints. Despite their significant role in the body, what can easily be overlooked are the jaw joints located on either side of the face, just in front of the ears. The jaw joints, known as the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), play a critical role in functions such as talking, chewing, yawning, kissing, and even breathing.

Unfortunately, the TMJs are susceptible to injury, stress, and infections. Malfunctioning of these joints can lead to the following undesirable symptoms:

• Chronic headaches
• Jaw pain and soreness
• Facial swelling
• Pain around the neck and ears
• Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
• Clicking sound when you open and close your jaws
• Painful chewing
• Locked jaws

Mild TMJ disorder causes minor symptoms and doesn’t always need treatment. However, patients with severe jaw pain may find basic activities like talking and chewing a source of pain. Pain can hurt your quality of life, affecting your ability to enjoy daily activities. Fortunately, treatments exist to make it easier to live with TMD.

How does Botox treat TMJ pain?

Although several factors can cause TMJ disorder, bruxism is usually a leading factor. Chronic teeth grinding generates excessive force that strains your jaw joints and muscles, creating tension that radiates to your jaw, face, ears, etc.

One of the best non-surgical treatments for TMJ pain is Botox injections. Muscles contract in response to nerve signals triggered by a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Botox works by blocking the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, temporarily paralyzing the muscle.  

As a natural muscle relaxant, Botox eases muscle tension to minimize pains, aches, and other discomforts of TMJ dysfunction. Botox complements other TMD treatments like oral appliance therapy and physical rehabilitation, but there are several cases where all you need is Botox.

What should I expect from Botox treatment?

The treatment is painless and fast, often completed within 20-30 minutes. After consultation, the doctor injects the Botox product into the target areas using a super-thin needle. After treatment, many patients only experience mild bruising and swelling, easily manageable with a cold compress. While it’s tempting, avoid rubbing or massaging the treatment sites to prevent the Botox product from leaking into unwanted areas.

You may notice improvement in your symptoms after 3-4 days, with a significant difference becoming apparent after about two weeks. Your headaches will reduce, you’ll sleep better, and you will wake up feeling more refreshed.

Unfortunately, Botox treatments don’t last forever. The body metabolizes the product, requiring retreatment every 3-4 months.

Do you need TMJ pain treatment with Botox?

If you reside in Antioch, CA, and the surrounding areas, don’t let those nagging headaches and jaw aches diminish your quality of life. Call (925) 723-9090 to schedule an appointment with Simarro Brothers Dental Care for TMJ pain relief with Botox.

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