How Does Botox for TMJ Work?

Botox for TMJ
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders can be challenging to live with and affect your appetite, quality of life and ability to open and close your mouth. Besides muscle relaxants and stretches, scheduling an appointment for Botox in San Diego is one of the top three recommended treatments for TMJ, and you will soon see why and how it works and helps TMJ sufferers.

 

What is TMJ
One of the surprising uses for Botox is that it’s used to treat several medical conditions. TMJ can manifest in many forms, such as arthritis or a jaw injury. Symptoms usually show up in teeth grinding at night, resulting in a headache upon waking up, lockjaw or painful chewing. The symptoms often also lead to loss of appetite, constant headache, and facial discomfort due to a contraction of the jaw muscle. The pain and symptoms associated with TMJ might be temporary and not require surgery, especially if you use exercises to relieve the pressure on the jaw muscles or non-invasive treatment in the form of Botox.

 

How Effective Is Botox for TMJ?
Although there are several myths about Botox, the reality is that Botox can help alleviate many medical conditions since it numbs the nerves or muscles that cause pain, excessive sweating, migraines or an overactive bladder. In the same way, Botox can help relax a strained jaw-closing muscle due to a forceful biting muscle. As a neuromodulator, the toxin can block signals from the brain and thus relieve pain and strain on the TMJ muscle, giving it time to recover. The effects of the Botox will last three to four months, and you will feel it when it’s time for another session.

 

No matter the cause of your TMJ disorder, the effect is the same – the muscle tenses up, leading to pain and discomfort and disruption of daily activities. Botox treats the symptoms, and it could be the relief you’ve been looking for. Bite guards or stretch exercises can further alleviate the symptoms until it’s time to return for another Botox session for more permanent relief.

 

What You Can Expect During a Botox Treatment for TMJ
The Botox will be injected into your jaw muscles on either side and on your forehead to disengage the jaw muscles responsible for pain and discomfort. You will feel relief settle in over the next few days as your muscles relax and you have the freedom of eating again without pain. During the procedure, we will inject the toxin into the different areas. You may experience redness and swelling, but it usually subsides within a few hours. We will also consult with you and give you tips about what you should avoid doing on the day and what to expect during the week after your Botox session.

 

Book Your Appointment for Botox for TMJ Today
After making your first appointment, we will have a consultation with you to ensure that we understand your goals and why you want to get Botox injections. We will discuss the medication you are on as you might have to stop taking blood thinners, Omega 3 and Vitamin E supplements when receiving Botox for the best outcome. We will ensure that you have all the information you need beforehand and know precisely what happens during a session and what you can expect afterwards.

 

We can also schedule a follow-up Botox session for you so you can return before discomfort sets in again and continue to experience the benefits of uninterrupted Botox for TMJ. You may find that the Botox has made such a big difference that you want us to inject it into other areas for relief or to smooth out wrinkles for a more youthful appearance. Get in touch with us today to schedule your appointment.

 

Testimonial from Luis, Satisfied Botox Client
Kerry is amazing!!!! Love this place. First time doing Botox and they made it such a wonderful experience. James is awesome he went out of his way to get me in as soon as possible my first time. Love this place.

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