Tight jaw muscles cause TMJ (temporo-mandibular joint) disorder. TMJ disorders can be painful and result in headaches. Through everyday activities like talking, chewing food, and swallowing, the jaw muscles may get too tight and the joint can become displaced or get overworked so much that it leads to tension.
Getting the TMJ muscles to relax is the key to relieving TMJ disorders. The American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AFE) recommends BOTOX® as an alternative treatment to surgery.
What Does Botox Do?
Because unconscious movement often causes TMJ disorders, such as grinding your teeth, BOTOX can provide relief by putting a stop to the unconscious movement. A dentist can inject BOTOX into the specific area of the tight muscle, and while it won’t affect any other area, that muscle area will relax. It’s a simple, nonsurgical procedure that a dentist can do within 10 to 30 minutes.
Does a Botox Treatment Hurt?
It doesn’t hurt any more than other injections but an anesthetic cream or cold pack can be applied to the area so you don’t feel it much. Most people describe the injection as feeling like a prick. After a Botox treatment, temporary bruising or redness may occur at the injection site or you may feel a bit numb there for a while. You should be able to get back to your normal activities right away though. However, your dentist will tell you not to massage the area and to stay upright for a certain amount of time.
Discuss Botox with Dr. Baker
If you’re having problems with TMJ tightness, arrange an appointment with Dr. Baker and find out more about how he can help.
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