How Can Botox Help My TMJ Pain

The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the part of your body that connects the jawbone to the skull. Some people can experience pain in the joints or muscles surrounding it, which is usually called a TMJ disorder.

These disorders can be caused by different factors such as injury, arthritis, or genetics. In most cases, people can manage pain with medications, but if the condition is severe they will require surgery to fix the damage.

However, you might have heard about a new potential therapy for TMJ: Botox.

Does Botox treat TMJ?

Botox is a neurotoxin protein that offers temporary muscle paralysis. It’s commonly injected in the face as a cosmetic measure to reduce wrinkles such as crow’s feet or frown lines.

For TMJ specifically, Botox is injected into the jaw muscles, forehead, and sometimes even the temple, depending on the condition and symptoms. These will cause limited jaw function which can lead to the pain decreasing. However, Botox will only offer temporary paralysis, which means in a few months the TMJ symptoms will most likely reappear.

It’s important to mention that the FDA has not approved Botox for TMJ treatment yet. While you might find professionals who offer Botox to treat this condition, most insurance companies will not cover it, and you will have to pay out of pocket.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Some common side effects of Botox, when used as a TMJ treatment, can include:

• Mild headaches
• Flu-like symptoms
• Nausea
• Redness or pain at the injection sites
  

Additionally, Botox infections can lead to slight changes in your face which will be especially obvious when you smile. This is due to Botox’s paralyzing effect which may prevent you from fully smiling for a few weeks.

Other Treatments for TMJ

Botox is a temporary solution for TMJ, and most patients need to routinely get these injections to manage their condition. Additionally, because most insurance providers do not cover the costs of this procedure, the total cost of this treatment can run very high.

However, there are also other TMJ treatments available that can also be covered by your insurance plan:

• Pain and anti-inflammatory medication
• Physical therapy
• Mouthguards
• Surgery
• Acupuncture, etc.
  

The best treatment for you will greatly depend on your specific case, such as the symptoms you experience and the severity of the TMJ condition. To access the right care, you should see one of our dentists to first get your TMJ properly diagnosed and then consider your options. After that, your dentist can recommend the best course of action to alleviate your pain and symptoms. 

We Can Help 

If you’re interested in getting Botox to treat your TMJ condition, you should consider how optimal this procedure is for you. Talk to our specialists at Nashoba Valley Dental to see if Botox is right for your specific symptoms and learn about alternative treatments that could be more suitable for you and your long-term health.

Book your appointment now, and relieve your TMJ pain today.