How does Botox help TMJ?
When people say they have TMJ, what do they mean?
It is more accurate to say they have TMJ pain or TMJ dysfunction. TMJ stands for temporal-mandibular joint, the sliding hinge joint that lets you open and close your mouth and move your jaw front and back.
The temple is the area above and around the ear >
The mandible is the lower jawbone >
Pain and muscle spasms occur when this joint does not move correctly. The pain is usually felt near the temple area of the head, as a localized headache, ear pain, or neck pain.
You may notice your jaw locking, or even notice a popping/clunking noise when you open and close your mouth.
So how does Botox® help this problem?
Botox® is injected into the muscles of the jaw and your temple area (yes, there are muscles there too!)
Botox® relaxes the muscles preventing strong, extended muscle contractions, and giving the muscle more time to rest. The relaxed muscle causes less pain and movement problems. Also, a relaxed muscles heal better and are less painful.
Do the Botox® shots hurt?
The needles are very small and the injections are not deep. Anesthesia is usually not needed. Ice is used to help reduce the chance of bruising, which also helps numb the skin. In addition we have highly experienced, expert applicators on staff to make your appointment as comfortable as possible.
When will I feel better?
Relief of head or neck pain can be felt within a few days of treatment. It may take a bit longer for the jaw muscles to relax and allow easier jaw movement with less clunking and popping. Botox® treatments for TMJ can be performed every 12 weeks.
Precision Aesthetics is now offering Botox for TMJ/TMD
If you are interested in a free consultation about receiving botox injections for TMJ/TMD just give our office a call at (949) 477-9740 or use our handy contact form to set up your appointment.
Additional reading about Botox® therapies:
