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How Jaw Botox helps with TMJ

August 22, 2022 - toothbar - 0 comments Woman feeling relief after getting botox for her lock jaw

The pain caused by TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) is so excruciating that many people find it hard to live a normal life. Below is how you can treat TMJ with Botox.

Pain in the jaw, ear, and head is severe enough that it has affected the lifestyle of nearly 12 million Americans all over the country.

What Is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?

The temporomandibular joint disorder is an umbrella term for several related conditions affecting the jaw joint. The temporomandibular joint connects your upper and lower jaws and allows you to open and close your mouth.

It comprises three bones: the mandible (lower jaw), the maxilla (upper jaw), and the temporal bone in your skull. TMJ disorders symptoms include pain, clicking and popping of the jaw, facial swelling, and headaches.

The pain from TMJ can be mild or severe, but it usually worsens as time goes on. Temporomandibular joint disorder is caused by inflammation of the tissue surrounding the jaw joints, which connects your upper and lower teeth. TMJ can also cause difficulty chewing or opening your mouth fully because of muscle spasms around the jaw.

What Is Botox?

Botulinum toxin, or Botox, is a purified protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The neurotoxin blocks the release of acetylcholine from nerve endings in the muscles where it is injected, preventing muscles from contracting.

This temporary muscle paralysis has been used to treat facial wrinkles and eye squint since its approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002.

 

How Does Jaw Botox Treat Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?

Jaw Botox is a safe and effective treatment for temporomandibular joint disorder symptoms.

Botox relaxes overactive muscles that cause pain and discomfort in people with temporomandibular joint disorder.

When these muscles are relaxed, they allow the jaw to move more easily, so you have fewer symptoms from a misaligned bite or when you chew food.

Jaw Botox is injected directly into specific muscles in your face that cause abnormal movement when they contract too much during chewing or talking.

These injections are not painful but may cause slight bruising at the injection site for up to two weeks after treatment.

 

Why Do You Need a Professional Doctor for TMJ?

 

TMJ is often characterized by pain, discomfort, and limited jaw joint movement.

It can be caused by trauma, stress, fatigue, muscle tension, or structural misalignment in the jaw.

Temporomandibular joint disorder is also associated with neurological problems such as facial nerve palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, myoclonus, and epilepsy.

Botox has some benefits in helping with some of the symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder; however, it should not be used to treat all the associated symptoms.

It’s important to have a professional from Austin Cosmetic Dentist inject Botox into your temporomandibular joint because it’s a delicate procedure, and it takes years of training to learn how to do it safely.

The risk of complications is high if you inject Botox into your jaw muscles, like in the case of a botched self-administered injection at home.

 

Contact us

When you go to Austin Cosmetic Dentist, located in Downtown Austin, you can be assured that your medical professionals are trained and experienced in the best ways to inject Botox into your temporomandibular joint disorder.

They will also give you an accurate estimate of how much Botox you need for the procedure and how long your results will last; hence your trip to this location will be worth it. Reach us at 512-949-8202.

Dr. Kimberley Barclay

Co-founder and owner Dr. Kimberley Barclay is actively involved in local and national dental societies, including the Capital Area Dental Society and Spear Education courses on cosmetic dentistry. She is also a member of the Seattle Study Club, one of the most advanced education groups for dental professionals.

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aesthetics of your smile, we make sure your dental health is set for the long run.

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This content was fact-checked by Dr. Kimberley Barclay and Dr. Lauren Jacobsen following editorial guidelines. Dr. Kimberley Barclay is actively involved in local and national dental societies, including the Capital Area Dental Society and Spear Education courses on Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Lauren Jacobsen is an active member of the dental community and engages in further education and training through membership with a local chapter of the Seattle Study Club and Spear Education courses.

Schedule Your Visit Now

Our team is ready to book your appointment. The proper Dental Care can make the difference in years to come. We don't just improve the aesthetics of your smile, we make sure your dental health is set for the long run.

Schedule your visit now