BOTOX®
BOTOX and TMJ
BOTOX is widely known for its cosmetic uses, but it serves many medical purposes as well. At Beech & Reid Oral & Dental Implant Surgery, we can inject BOTOX directly into the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to alleviate pain associated with TMJ disorders. A problem with your TMJ can cause pain, jaw tension, headaches, lockjaw, and more.
Learn more about these types of problems on our TMJ treatment page.
Traditional treatments for TMJ include:
- Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories
- Physical therapy
- Mouth guards or oral splints
- Injections, such as BOTOX
- Arthroscopy, which uses a small scope and instruments to repair the TMJ
- Arthrocentesis, which removes debris and inflammation from the joint
- Jaw surgery to realign mispositioned jaws
Nonsurgical methods are the first option for treating TMJ disorders. When these fail, we consider surgical approaches, such as injections or jaw surgery.
How does BOTOX work?
BOTOX is a neurotoxin naturally produced in bacteria. When used in extremely small doses, it paralyzes muscles and prevents them from contracting. This minimally invasive solution has many medical purposes, such as treating muscle spasms, migraines, and providing relief for TMJ disorders.
By paralyzing the muscles in the jaw joint, BOTOX can significantly decrease pain and eliminate headaches caused by excessive teeth grinding. Most patients feel improvement within several days after treatment, but you could begin to notice relief the next day. There is no downtime, so you can resume your normal routine as soon as you leave our office.
The BOTOX Procedure
One BOTOX appointment takes between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on how many injections you need. During your consultation, we will determine the right dose of BOTOX and the treatment schedule you should follow to maximize your results. We will outline a treatment plan that explains how often you should repeat BOTOX injections, which is normally at least several times over a period of about 3 months.
This is a minimally invasive treatment that may require a local anesthetic, if any. You may feel a small prick of the needle, which can be eased using ice packs or a numbing agent beforehand. You should remain in an upright position for the remainder of the day to prevent the toxin from spreading to other muscles.
How much does BOTOX cost for TMJ treatment?
The cost of your BOTOX treatment will depend on the number of injections, the severity of your symptoms, and the details of your insurance. We work with you to create manageable payment plans and are happy to submit a claim to your insurance on your behalf, provided we have the necessary information.
Get the relief you need with BOTOX. Contact our office to schedule an appointment, and we will evaluate your condition and design a treatment plan specific to your needs. We look forward to alleviating your pain and helping you enjoy eating, speaking, and living without the discomfort of TMJ disorders.