The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be known to experience a lot of pain. You may hear clicking or popping when you chew, feel a tightness when you talk, or be unable to even open your mouth fully during a dental checkup.
Traditional diagnosis and treatment for temporomandibular disorder (TMD) may include MRIs, prescription strength pain relievers, and orthodontic splints. They all take time, money, and won’t necessarily guarantee a solution for the pain or discomfort you feel. The best option, a splint, helps to retrain the jaw muscles, but doesn’t immediately relieve the pain.
Effective Treatment for Long-Lasting Pain Relief
If you’re looking for a more effective treatment for TMJ disorder, Heritage Oak Dental has an option for you: Botox.
You probably think of Botox as one of those treatments people get at a cosmetic day spa, to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. But the nerve toxin used for Botox can be used for so much more than that!
The reason Botulinumtoxin-A works so well is that it immediately paralyzes the nerves that cause muscle contractions. This allows the muscle to completely relax and begin to heal. That’s why it works so well for people with frequent TMJ induced headaches and jaw pain. Botox injections are given periodically, depending on your dentist’s prescription.
What Else Can Botox Do?
Botox was originally created to correct the eye muscles affected by strabismus – crossed or “lazy” eyes. It was eventually used as a cosmetic injection to relax facial muscles, smoothing the signs of age. As use has increased, different effects and uses have been discovered. The FDA approves it to be used for TMD, oral-facial pain caused by bruxism (teeth grinding,) chronic migraines, excessive sweating, and even overactive bladder.
How Long Does Botox Treatment Last?
The length of your Botox treatment depends on the reason for the injections. Initial migraine treatment should be 2-3 treatments over a 9-month period. TMD and oral-facial pain care depends on the retraining of the muscles involved. Talk with our Rocklin, CA dentists about how many injections you’ll need and how often.
If you’re experiencing pain in your face or jaw, or if you have chronic headaches, talk to our Heritage Oak dentist about Botox Injections. Contact us today for an appointment!
