Can BOTOX Help TMJ Issues?

TMJ disorder (TMD) is a jaw condition that is characterized by tenderness, pain, popping, and/or clicking when you open and close your mouth due to dysfunction, inflammation, and/or degeneration of your temporomandibular joints, the joints that attach your jaw to your skull. While TMD may start as a mild annoyance, without treatment it can result in permanent damage that negatively affects everyday activities like eating, drinking, talking, laughing, singing, and smiling. Fortunately, there are a few different treatments, like BOTOX, that can reduce the negative effects of TMJ issues.

How does Botox work?

While you may have heard of BOTOX being used as a cosmetic treatment, BOTOX also has therapeutic benefits as a treatment for TMJ issues. We can use BOTOX on its own or alongside other treatments. This prescription medicine reduces jaw tension and limits muscle movement, which stops the involuntary spasms common in TMJ disorders. Depending on your symptoms, we can inject it into your jaw muscles, forehead, or temples. Most injections last around three months, at which point you’ll need another injection.

Is Botox safe?

Research shows BOTOX is a safe and effective treatment for TMD when administered by trained professionals, such as a qualified dentist. While you may experience mild bruising, swelling, itchiness, and stiffness, these problems usually fade after a few days.

How do you know if you need Botox?

TMJ dysfunction can be associated with a variety of problems, such as jaw tenderness, aching around your ear, migraines, clicking when you open and close your mouth, and difficulty chewing. There are jaw exercises that can stretch, relax, and strengthen your TMJ muscles. BOTOX may be a better treatment option if these exercises don’t result in significant improvement.

How much does Botox cost?

Despite its therapeutic use as a TMJ treatment, many insurance companies consider BOTOX a cosmetic injection. For this reason, your insurance may not cover it. One BOTOX unit generally costs about $15, so the total cost of treatment depends on how many units we need to use. We can discuss your estimated out-of-pocket expense and financial options during your consultation.

TMJ treatment with Dr. Jones in Shoreline, WA

Are you dealing with jaw tension and pain that won’t go away? At our office, Dr. Jones can diagnose your issue and recommend treatments like BOTOX that can reduce your pain and improve your quality of life. Please contact us today to schedule your consultation!

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Categorized in: Oral Health