Service description

BOTOX® is used as an alternative treatment for TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders and associated jaw tension and pain. When injected into facial muscles afflicted with soreness and discomfort, BOTOX® relieves TMJ and jaw tension for many patients. The injections often eliminate headaches resulting from teeth grinding, and in cases of severe stress, BOTOX® can even minimize lockjaw.

Areas Affected by TMJ Botulinum Toxin Therapy

The length of the Botulinum Toxin treatment procedure depends on the number of injections needed as determined by the doctor. Still, it is reasonable for the treatment procedure to be completed within 10-30 minutes.

Is the Botulinum Toxin Treatment Painful?

The pain associated with the Botulinum Toxin TMJ Treatment procedure is due to the injections, but it is generally minimal and brief. Some patients have likened the Botulinum Toxin injection pain to a "bug bite" or "prick." Numbing proposed injection sites with a cold pack or anesthetic cream can reduce pain. If you are scared of needles, the doctor may offer you Happy Gas.

What to Expect After the Botulinum Toxin TMJ Treatment?

After the Botulinum Toxin TMJ Treatment, muscle tenderness will disappear almost immediately. Wrinkles begin to disappear within 24-48 hours after the injections, and you may continue to see the wrinkles diminish up to one week after the Botox® treatment procedure. There may be mild temporary bruising, numbness, or redness around the injection sites. You will not look 20 years younger, but you may look more natural and relaxed or less sad and angry. Many patients treated with Botulinum Toxin injections reported no noticeable difference in reducing their wrinkles.

DO IMPLANTS NEED SPECIAL CARE?

Because the Botulinum Toxin Treatment procedure is non-surgical and non-invasive, the patient can likely return to normal activities immediately. However, to avoid spreading the toxin to other muscles, patients should not rub or massage the area injected with Botulinum Toxin and remain upright for many hours. Physical activity should also be limited for a time.

Risks, Limitations & Possible Complications of Botox® Injections for TMJ Treatment

As with any medical procedure, there are possible risks and side effects when using Botox® for TMJ treatment. Since this is a non-surgical treatment procedure, the risks and potential complications are infrequent, minimal, and temporary. Botulinum Toxin treatment's most commonly reported side effects are headaches, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, temporary eyelid droop, and nausea. The less commonly reported effects of Botulinum Toxin are pain, redness at the spot of injection, and muscle weakness. These symptoms are thought to be connected with the Botulinum Toxin injection and occur within the first week. There could also be bruising at the injection site. The lips are used more than the forehead for common activities such as chewing, kissing, and talking. Therefore Botulinum Toxin injections around the mouth are less useful in TMJ treatment and can have more potentially inconvenient effects. These everyday activities may become more difficult, and too much Botox® around the mouth can result in drooling. Another limitation of Botox® injection for TMJ treatments is the possibility of developing antibodies that would render the TMJ treatments less and less effective over time. This resistance could be delayed by using the lowest effective dose possible over the longest time intervals. Botox® injection treatments should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.