How Can BOTOX Help With TMJ Disorder?

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a group of conditions that cause chronic pain in the jaw and the muscles that control jaw movement. The temporomandibular joint is located on either side of the head and connects the jawbone to the skull. BOTOX injections have been found to be effective in treating TMJ disorder, which can include pain, jaw locking, and clicking and popping in your jaw.

What is BOTOX?

Botox is a neuromodulator, which means it’s a chemical that helps relax muscles that are causing a person pain. When injected into the jaw muscles that are responsible for clenching and grinding, Botox can help reduce or eliminate the painful symptoms caused by TMD. This is particularly effective because Botox works very quickly – it generally takes just a few short days to notice an improvement during the first few days after being injected. This quick onset of action makes Botox an excellent treatment option for someone who is suffering from the symptoms of a painful temporomandibular joint disorder and needs relief as soon as possible.

For more information about treating TMJ with Botox injections, contact Smile by Design in Irvine, CA by calling 949-260-0095 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Donian Shen today.

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How does BOTOX help with TMJ disorder?

BOTOX effectively treats jaw clenching and teeth grinding, as well as headaches caused by temporomandibular joint disorders, or TMD. Hyaluronidase inhibitors like BOTOX work by temporarily blocking the nerves that signal the facial muscles to contract. By calming those overactive muscles, BOTOX helps to alleviate the pain associated with TMJ disorder.

TMJ disorder can cause severe pain and discomfort in the jaw area, making it difficult to talk, chew, or even open and close your mouth. A variety of factors can trigger the onset of this disorder, including stress, anxiety, arthritis, or injury to the face or jaw. For some patients, the symptoms of TMJ disorder can be temporary, lasting as little as a few weeks, or they can become a chronic problem that lasts on for years at a time. For these patients, BOTOX treatment can help alleviate their symptoms and restore their quality of life.

Call Dr. Alkhoury’s office today to learn more about what BOTOX can do for you! We welcome patients from Denville, Rockaway, Parsippany Troy and the surrounding areas.

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Author Bio: Dr. Andrew Alkhoury is a general, restorative, and cosmetic dentist in Rockaway Township, NJ who provides his patients with comprehensive care for a variety of dental health issues. To learn more about his practice and the treatments he

What are other treatment options for TMJ disorder?

Custom oral appliances are by far the most effective treatment option for patients suffering from TMJ disorder, but patients who suffer from mild cases of jaw pain may consider using simple over-the-counter medications or mouth guards to relieve their symptoms. Jaw surgery is another option, but only recommended as a last resort after all other options have failed. Patients who have severe forms of TMJ disorder are more likely to qualify for jaw surgery.

Patients may also benefit from therapies such as acupuncture and massage therapy in addition to taking OTC pain relievers. A physical therapist may also be able to teach patients exercises that help relieve tension in the jaw and facial muscles. These neuromuscular retraining exercises can also reduce the frequency of headaches caused by TMD and minimize the amount of teeth grinding that occurs at night.