Botox for TMJ By Stephen Dowell, DDS on May 09, 2022

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a frequently used joint that connects the jaw bone to the skull. As such, it is subject to overuse and dysfunction, leading to pain, popping, clicking, or locking in the jaw. BOTOX® Cosmetic injections effectively treat the symptoms of TMJ disorder, providing patients with much-needed relief.

At the Dowell Dental Group, our team understands how debilitating TMJ disorder (TMD) can be. That’s why we provide BOTOX cosmetic injections to help patients soothe their painful TMDs in Minerva, Carrollton, and Dover, OH.

If jaw pain is interrupting your daily life, then you might be wondering what you can do about it. Here, our team discusses lesser-known signs of a TMD, how BOTOX for TMJ can help, and if it’s right for you.

Signs of TMJ Disorder (TMD)

Research suggests that approximately 12 million adults in America suffer from at least one symptom of TMD. The most common signs of TMD include jaw pain, as well as popping or clicking while talking, chewing, or yawning. Lesser-known signs, however, may include;

• Chronic headaches or migraines
• Earaches or ringing in the ears
• Pain behind the eyes
• Face, neck, shoulder, and back pain
• Toothaches
• Muscle spasms
• Difficulty chewing

These symptoms can prevent patients from engaging in their regular activities, which can have a tremendous impact on their physical and mental health. While over-the-counter painkillers and stress management can help diminish the side effects of a TMD, the relief is often short-lived. BOTOX injections offer a long-term solution to treat TMJ dysfunction and pain.

BOTOX for TMD 

BOTOX, or botulinum toxin A, is a neurotoxin that works by temporarily paralyzing muscles. Ordinarily, medical and dental professionals use BOTOX injections as a cosmetic procedure to enhance their patients’ appearances, but there are several non-cosmetic applications of the drug, too.

As a TMD treatment, BOTOX injections work by limiting the mobility of the muscles used to open and close the jaw. This limited mobility does not affect patients' chewing or speaking ability. Instead, it prevents broad motions that can stress the TMJ, and it limits the amount of pressure that the jaw applies to the teeth.  

The result is near-immediate pain relief that lasts for months. In fact, one study found that 90% of patients experienced a notable improvement in their symptoms when all other conservative TMD treatments had failed. 

BOTOX Candidacy

Patients who have not had success with conservative TMD treatments, such as jaw exercises and stress management, may be suitable candidates for BOTOX injections. Other candidates may include:

• Patients with severe bruxism, or teeth grinding
• Patients who are in good health standing
• Patients who do not have a milk allergy or sensitivity
• Women who are not nursing or pregnant

Typically, patients pursue BOTOX injections as an alternative to more invasive TMD treatments, like jaw surgery. Their long-lasting effects make BOTOX injections an ideal, less-invasive treatment to soothe TMJ pain for several months at a time.

Ask Us About BOTOX for TMJ Pain

If you’re tired of living with TMJ pain, then it’s time to talk about BOTOX injections. The caring team at the Dowell Dental Group is here to help you explore your BOTOX candidacy. Patients can schedule a consultation by sending our team a message, or may call our Dover office at (330) 364-1414, our Minerva office at (330) 868-5001, or our Carrollton office at (330) 627-5005.