Why You Should Consider Botox for TMJ
Botox® for TMJ is a non-invasive approach to eliminating the symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders. It involves using a neurotoxin protein to paralyze muscles by blocking nerve cell signals to them temporarily. This reduces abnormal contractions, and it helps alleviate the symptoms of TMJ issues being caused by overactive muscles. Botox is commonly known nowadays as a way to reduce signs of aging on a person’s face, but it was developed as a treatment for a variety of medical conditions like an overactive bladder.
Everything you need to know about Botox for TMJ
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are a pair of hinge-like joints that connect the upper and lower half of the skull. These joints make it possible to open and close your mouth and to move your lower jaw laterally.
They are one of the most active sets of joints in the body since they are used whenever a person speaks, chews, or opens their mouth. Symptoms of TMJ disorders include:
- Pain coming from around the ears and neck
- Migraines or headaches
- Inflammation in the face
- Sore jaw muscles
- Shoulder or neck pain
- Teeth grinding
How Botox for TMJ relaxes jaw muscles
A study conducted in 2012 showed that Botox treatments can be an effective way to address the symptoms of TMJ disorders. Over 90% of the participants involved reported drastically reduced pain and an improved ability to move their mouths for up to three months after getting Botox injections.
Botox treatments are often used to complement other treatments like physical therapy. The procedure involves injecting strategically selected muscles around the jaw, and it is performed as an outpatient procedure. Patients are free to return to their regular routine after getting their injections. They should notice a significant improvement in the symptoms within the next seven days.
The benefits of treating TMJ disorders with Botox include:
- Patients feel less anxious after the treatment
- The intensity and frequency of any headaches the patient experiences due to their TMJ disorder are reduced. In some cases, these headaches disappear completely
- Patients often experience improved sleep quality
- Teeth sensitivity and habits like teeth grinding are typically reduced
Other ways to alleviate symptoms of TMJ
Physical therapy can be combined with Botox injections to reduce symptoms of TMJ issues. Simple things patients can do to help reduce stress and tension in the temporomandibular joints and the muscles around them include:
- Massages, meditation, and deep breathing can help to relax facial muscles. Avoid massaging the face for the first few hours after getting Botox injections since its possible to spread the neurotoxin to other muscles that are not being targeted
- Maintain proper posture and avoid slouching
- Avoid bad habits like biting nails or voluntarily grinding teeth
- Avoid chewing gum as much as possible
Get relief from TMJ issues
Botox injections give you a non-invasive way to get relief from TMJ disorders. The treatment can be completed in as little as 10 minutes, and you are free to get back to your regular activities afterward. Give us a call or stop by our Stuart clinic for a consultation with our dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://drdelucia.com or call Anthony DeLucia D.D.S., P.A. at (772) 492-7045 for an appointment in our Stuart office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Botox for TMJ in Stuart, FL.
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