TMJ, Headache and Facial Pain Therapy

TMJ symptoms can happen when the temporomandibular joints or the associated muscles stop working properly. This can happen for many reasons and result in chronic ear pain, jaw stiffness and soreness, difficulty opening the mouth, jaw popping or jaw clicking, and painful headaches. Sufferers of TMJ pain may experience either sharp pain or a dull, constant ache.

TMJ treatment, referred to by some dentists as TMJ therapy, includes many options. Some of the options are mouth guards, bite therapy and TMJ exercises. This painful condition of the jaw and neck area can also be alleviated by injecting BOTOX® into the muscle. The tension and pain associated with TMJ is relaxed as a result. The BOTOX® can be used as a chronic pain treatment to alleviate TMJ headaches and all other pain and discomfort associated with TMJ.

What is BOTOX® Used For In Dentistry?

At Southern Hills Dental, our doctors use botulinum toxin (BOTOX®, XEOMIN®, Dysport®) injections as a nonsurgical treatment for various dental and facial conditions. It is commonly used to relieve symptoms of TMJ disorder, bruxism (teeth grinding), and jaw tension by relaxing overactive muscles and reducing pain. BOTOX® can also help with facial asymmetry, and chronic migraines caused by muscle strain. This minimally invasive treatment provides long-lasting relief and enhances function and reduces orofacial pain, improving patients' overall oral health and comfort. To learn more or find out if BOTOX® can be used to treat your dental needs, contact us and schedule a consultation with our office.

How Are BOTOX® Treatments Performed in Dentistry?

BOTOX® treatments at our dental office are quick and minimally invasive. To begin, one of our team members will first assess the patient's concerns and determine the appropriate injection sites. Using an ultra-fine needle, small amounts of BOTOX® are injected into targeted facial or jaw muscles to reduce tension and overactivity. The procedure typically takes only a few minutes, with minimal discomfort and downtime. Results gradually appear over the next few days to weeks, providing relief from TMJ pain, teeth grinding, and other dental-related concerns for several months.

What Are the Benefits of Using BOTOX® in Dentistry?

BOTOX® in dentistry offers several benefits, including:

  • Relieves TMJ pain and discomfort
  • Reduces teeth grinding and jaw clenching
  • Eases muscle tension in the jaw and face
  • Alleviates chronic headaches and migraines
  • Treats facial asymmetry