Dental Botox® is an alternative treatment approach for TMJ disorder and related pain and jaw tension. The treatment entails injecting Botox into the facial muscles causing the pain and soreness. The injection can also alleviate headaches caused by teeth grinding and a locked jaw. This article talks about the use of dental Botox® for relieving TMJ pain.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is positioned on both sides of the head, where the jawbone connects with the skull. The TMJ enables eating, swallowing, talking, and other routine activities that involve the mouth. If the joint becomes dislocated or stressed due to excessive teeth grinding, the patient may experience severe tension headaches and sharp pains around the jaw. Botox relieves the tension in the jaw by relaxing the muscles, thus preventing powerful, usually unintentional movement of the jaw.
The Botox treatment approach for TMJ pain relief is typically fast, straightforward, and effective. The procedure is non-surgical and minimally invasive. The injection will be administered in the dental office and performed on an outpatient basis. Most patients observe remarkable improvement after about a day or two following treatment, but complete relief may take about a week.
The duration of dental Botox treatment depends on the required number of injections. However, the treatment procedure can be finished in about 10 to 30 minutes. Only the muscles that are injected will become relaxed. Botox for TMJ treatment will not affect any other part of the body. The dentist will usually inject the temporalis, masseter, frontalis muscles, with the inclusion of other injection sites depends on the severity of the pain and headaches.
The procedure is mostly painless, and the only discomfort might be from the injection, which is usually minor and brief. Patients sometimes describe the Botox injection pain as a prick or bug bite. The dentist can reduce the pain from the injection by using a local anesthetic or cold pack to numb the area. Patients who are scared of the needle need to inform the dentist.
After the treatment, the muscle pain and tenderness should start to diminish almost immediately. Since the treatment is non-invasive and non-surgical, patients can quickly return to their routine soon enough. However, patients need to avoid rubbing or massaging the injection site to prevent the Botox from spreading to other muscles. They also need to reduce physical activity for a while.
The results of Botox treatment can last up to five months, so it is advisable to undergo regular treatment to prevent the pain from returning. Due to the non-invasive nature of the treatment, the risks are minimal. However, some patients may react harshly to the injections and experience symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and muscle weakness, but these usually stop within one week after treatment.
When patients opt for dental Botox®, the dentist will examine their condition to know whether they are eligible for the procedure. The use of Botox® for TMD pain relief has been shown to be effective. To learn more about the procedure, book an appointment today to get started.
Request an appointment here: https://spectrumsurgical.net or call Facial Spectrum at (816) 524-4334 for an appointment in our Lee's Summit office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Botox in Lee's Summit, MO.
You need an oral surgeon for complex dental procedures. This dental care provider can perform non-invasive and invasive dental treatments. Understanding what happens during the first visit can ease your anxiety. Here are the things you should look forward to when you consult your oral surgeon.The oral surgeon will receive a referral from the patient’s…
A sinus lift procedure goes by many other names, including sinus elevation, sinus augmentation, and sinus graft. It can be an important step in the process of having a dental implant placed in the upper jaw to replace a missing tooth. The procedure involves raising the floor of one of the maxillary sinuses and filling…
Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure that prevents serious dental problems caused by these third molars. While wisdom teeth cause no problems for many, removal is crucial to the oral health maintenance of many others. By learning about the benefits and risks of this procedure, you can make an informed decision about whether wisdom…
Laser skin resurfacing is a popular cosmetic procedure that can address a variety of skin concerns, including wrinkles, scars, and uneven texture. This treatment uses laser technology to remove damaged skin layers while stimulating collagen production and promoting the growth of healthier skin. If you are curious about this procedure, here are the most frequently…
You need an oral surgeon for complex dental procedures. This dental care provider can perform non-invasive and invasive dental treatments. Understanding what happens during the first visit can ease your anxiety. Here are the things you should look forward to when you consult your oral surgeon.The oral surgeon will receive a referral from the patient’s…
A sinus lift procedure goes by many other names, including sinus elevation, sinus augmentation, and sinus graft. It can be an important step in the process of having a dental implant placed in the upper jaw to replace a missing tooth. The procedure involves raising the floor of one of the maxillary sinuses and filling…