Do you have trouble opening and closing your mouth all the way? Does your jaw make a clicking sound when you move it? Do you experience a dull ache or a sharp pain in your jaw sometimes? If so, you may have temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, disorder. Your TMJ is the joint that connects your jaw with the rest of your skull, and since it’s a complex joint, problems can arise easily. Can Botox be used to treat TMJ pain? Continue reading to find out.
What Is Botox?
Botox is a neurotoxin derived from a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. Although it sounds poisonous, it’s actually harmless because it’s only injected in very small amounts. Originally, Botox was injected into patients with muscle spasms and other injuries to prevent involuntary movement, since it relaxes the muscles. Eventually, it was discovered that it can prevent unconscious facial movements that result in wrinkles, which is why it’s such a popular cosmetic procedure these days.
Can Botox Treat TMJ Disorder?
In addition to relaxing the facial muscles to prevent wrinkles from forming, Botox also keeps the muscles around your jaw from clenching and grinding, thereby reducing damage to the TMJ and your teeth. When the muscles are relaxed, they experience less pain as well. As an added bonus, it also makes you appear younger.
Your dentist is well versed in the intricacies of the facial and jaw muscles and how they interact. Therefore, he or she will know exactly where and how to place the injections, much better than most cosmetic surgeons. There is little if any risk for accidental pain or damage during injections.
How Do I Know If I Need Botox for TMJ?
If any of the following symptoms sound familiar, contact your dentist for a consultation for Botox for TMJ:
- Tenderness or pain in the jaw
- Ache in and around the ear
- Facial aches
- Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
- Lockjaw making it hard to open or close your mouth all the way
If you think you may have TMJ disorder, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist or doctor right away. Botox treatment might be just the thing you need.
About the Practice
At Capron Park Dental, a patient is never just a name on a chart. Our team of three dentists takes the time to get to know each patient on a personal level so we can develop a personalized treatment plan that comfortably meets your needs. We offer Botox and Juvederm injection treatments for TMJ disorder. If you have jaw pain and you want it to stop, contact our office on our website or call (508) 222-5950.