TMJ disorders can cause sore jaw muscles, headaches, and other painful side effects. Dentists can provide significant TMJ relief using Botox injections. In just a day or two, you will begin to feel the injection's effects, but full results become noticeable after 7 to 10 days.
What are TMJ Disorders?
TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joints. These joints connect your upper and lower jaw. When a person suffers from TMJ disorders, they may experience one or more of these symptoms:
- Jaw pain and tenderness
- Pain in one or both jaw joints
- Pain and aching around the ears
- Pain when chewing
- Facial aches
- Jaw locking
- Clicking sound when opening the mouth and chewing
You may not need treatment if you have a clicking sound in your jaw but no pain.
Causes and Risk Factors for TMJ
Sometimes there is no apparent cause of TMJ disorders. TMJ can flare up if the disk inside the joint is damaged or misaligned. Arthritis or facial trauma can also cause joint damage.
Risk factors include jaw injuries, chronic teeth grinding, arthritis, and connective tissue disease.
Seeking Treatment for TMJ
TMJ disorders can interfere with eating, sleeping, and relaxing, which can impact the overall quality of your life. Patients who experience painful TMJ symptoms may not know where to turn. Fortunately, dentists can provide effective treatment, including Botox injections.
How Botox Works for TMJ
Botox is a safe, proven medication derived from the botulinum toxin. Botox is best known for its cosmetic properties, but it is a powerful medication that can help with muscle tension and pain. Botox does not treat the causes of TMJ, but it can help relieve symptoms.
A dentist, such as Dr. Donald Miller of Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry, injects the medication into the affected muscles. Within a week to 10 days, you will feel the maximum effects of the injection. The dentist may address the jaw, neck, cheeks, and face.
Botox injections last approximately three to four months, allowing you to receive ongoing pain relief.
Other Treatment Options for TMJ Disorders
Botox is an effective way to relieve symptoms of TMJ disorders, but there are several other avenues your dentist may recommend to alleviate your pain:
- Invisalign treatment to correct jaw alignment
- Prescriptions, such as muscle relaxants or anti-anxiety medications
- Oral appliance therapy
- Relaxation techniques and exercises to help combat stress
Most dentists manage TMJ disorders conservatively, but in extreme cases, you may need surgery on one or both TMJ joints. Your dentist will guide you through the most effective treatment plan given your individual circumstances.
Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry Can Help Alleviate TMJ
If you believe you are suffering from a TMJ disorder, seek treatment as soon as possible. Dr. Donald Miller of Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry welcomes the opportunity to work with you to relieve your TMJ discomfort and to also care for your overall dental health. Consider scheduling a complimentary consultation with Dr. Donald Miller of Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry in Fairfield, CT today. Please call 203-255-6878 or click here to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Donald Miller specializes in general, family and cosmetic dentistry and is an active member of the Fairfield, CT community. He has practiced dentistry in Fairfield for over 25 years. Get to know Dr. Miller better by visiting our website. You can also read Google Reviews submitted by patients for a personal recommendation.
Other popular services provided by the practice include Invisalign, Same Day Crowns, Veneers, Dental Implants, and Teeth Whitening.