Patients who experience frequent jaw pain are often in search of a solution. It can be very difficult to go about day-to-day activities while living with excruciating pain. Because jaw pain is often continuous, finding long-lasting relief is uncommon. However, there are treatment options. If you are experiencing jaw pain regularly, you should speak to a medical professional. He or she will be able to perform the necessary steps to diagnose you with a TMJ disorder or another possible cause of your pain. After you understand the cause of your pain, you can ask about botox for TMJ. This treatment option may be right for you. Learn more here.
What is TMJ?
TMJ is medically known as the temporomandibular joint. This joint connects your jawbone to your skull and acts as a hinge. You have one TMJ on each side of your jaw. Unfortunately, TMJ disorders or pain are very common. According to Medical News Today, around 12% of people in the United States experience TMJ disorders. It is more common in women than men, with 9 women to every 1 man experiencing pain and restricted jaw movement. This pain is often felt in the muscles that control the movement of your jaw. This makes chewing and even talking difficult and painful for people who experience TMJ disorder.
What causes TMJ disorders?
Pinpointing the cause of a TMJ disorder is very hard to do. The patient’s pain is likely occurring due to a combination of factors. These factors include the following.
- Genetics
- Arthritis
- Jaw injury
- Dental surgery
- Infections
- Bruxism (grinding the teeth together)
In most cases, the discomfort of a TMJ disorder can be relieved with nonsurgical treatments. That said, in some cases, surgery is used as a last resort after all other treatment options fail.
How to treat the symptoms of TMJ
Doctors usually recommend a combination of self-guided care and OTC products to treat TMJ disorder symptoms. In the beginning stages of treatment, this type of care is often successful. This includes making some lifestyle changes and administering self-care. For example, your doctor will likely recommend you reduce movement of the jaw. You should, therefore, avoid chewing gum for a while, eat soft foods, and avoid stressful situations, in which you’ll clench your jaw together. In addition, gentle exercises may be recommended. You can stretch the jaw slightly every day, as well as massage the jaw muscles, which can help to relieve tension. Ice and moist heat can help, too.
However, if after trying these treatment methods, patients do not experience relief, there are more serious options. Botox for TMJ disorders is an option, as is surgery.
Long-lasting results: Botox for TMJ
Botox is a neurotoxin protein that may help treat symptoms of TMJ disorders. Specifically, Botox may help to treat specific symptoms of these disorders including the following.
- Jaw tension
- Headaches due to teeth grinding
- Lockjaw in cases of severe stress
Please note that while Botox has been shown to be effective in treating these symptoms, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Botox for use in TMJ disorders. According to a study completed in 2012, Botox can decrease pain and increase the range of motion in the jaw for patients with TMJ disorder. Many other successful studies were conducted, as well, in 2003 and 2008.
What can I expect from the treatment?
Botox treatment for TMJ disorder is an outpatient procedure. The treatment typically takes 10-30 minutes to administer. It will require at least three injection sessions over the course of several months to see long-lasting results.
Your doctor injects the Botox into your forehead, temple, and jaw muscles, as well as any other target treatment areas. Please note that your doctor will decide the number of Botox injections you need for your unique circumstances.
In some cases, some improvement can be felt within a day or two of treatment. However, it usually takes several days to feel relief. After treatment, you should remain upright and avoid rubbing or massaging the injection sites. This helps prevent the Botox from spreading to other muscles.
Dr. Anthony Berlet: Helping Patients for Over 20 Years
Dr. Anthony Berlet has helped patients with Botox for over 20 years. He helps patients in the northern New Jersey and New York City areas achieve their body goals and determine the right medical choices for their unique circumstances. Ultimately, his goal is to guide them to a healthier lifestyle. Along with his team of caring and dedicated medical professionals, Dr. Berlet prioritizes your health and desired outcome while ensuring your comfort and safety throughout the journey. From your initial consultation to the final results, the team at Berlet will be alongside you the entire way. Botox for TMJ disorders might be right for you. Reach out to us today to learn more about this treatment.