TMJ is a complex condition that can be challenging to diagnose and treat. Treatment varies widely and depends on the cause and severity of TMJ’s many possible symptoms. While heat and ice packs can help most people relieve jaw pain and tightness, others require treatments such as a mouth guard or braces. Continue reading to learn more about newer treatments, such as Botox injections and the answer to the question does botox help TMJ.
If you have difficulty opening your mouth, chronic jaw pain, persistent headaches, or other TMJ symptoms listed below, schedule an appointment at Trident Dental for a comprehensive oral examination and TMJ evaluation.
What is Botox?
Botox is a drug that doctors use to treat several medical conditions. It is made from a toxin produced by a bacteria known as Clostridium botulinum. In larger amounts, it is known to be a potent biological poison. However, it is referred to as “miracle poison” because of its medicinal uses. For decades, Botox has been used to treat medical conditions such as:
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Strabismus (crossed eyes).
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Overactive bladder.
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Hyperhidrosis (extreme sweating).
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Twitching eyelids.
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Chronic migraine headaches.
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Cervical dystonia that causes severe muscle contractions in the neck and shoulder.
In addition to these medical conditions, Botox is used to improve cosmetic conditions such as excessive facial lines and wrinkles. The reason Botox has cosmetic uses is due to its ability to block nerve signals to muscles. As a result, it prevents these muscles from contracting and gives skin a smoother appearance for several months.
Do Dentists Administer Botox?
Dentists specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions in the head, neck, jaw, and mouth. This makes them some of the most qualified healthcare professionals to administer medications, such as Botox, to these areas. As a result, most states recognize dentists’ expertise in giving Botox injections to treat cosmetic or medical conditions affecting the head and neck.
What are the Symptoms of TMJ?
TMJ disorder affects the joint that connects your mandible (lower jaw) to your skull. It can result from problems with the joint’s disc or muscles that are attached to the joint. TMJ symptoms can include one or more of the following:
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A change in your bite.
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Toothache.
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Chronic headaches, including migraine.
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Pressure, pain, or ringing in the ears.
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Jaw pain.
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Aching muscles in the face, neck, or shoulders.
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Dizziness.
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Loss of jaw range of motion.
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Tight jaw muscles that can cause the jaw to lock open or closed.
Does Botox Help TMJ?
Botox has been found to significantly help decrease the pain and muscle tightness that occurs with TMJ dysfunction. In this study, nine out of ten TMJ patients saw an improvement in their chronic facial pain. One of the crucial findings of this study was that these were patients who had not been helped by conservative treatments such as a splint, relaxation, or massage therapies.
Schedule Appointment
Contact us at Trident Dental to learn how we can help you jaw pain and other symptoms of TMJ disorder. We provide comprehensive dental services such as custom-made nightguards, invisible braces, and dental crowns to prevent and treat this painful condition that can damage your teeth and gums.