What to Consider With Treating TMJ With Botox

If you are one of the many individuals who suffer from TMJ, you may be researching the effects Botox® has on this problem. Believe it or not, it can work to help some of the unfortunate aspects of this condition. TMJ can sometimes make everyday activities and simple things we take for granted, like chewing, hard to handle. Some TMJ symptoms may be the sound of your jawbone clicking while you are eating or yawning. Many people experience pain in their jaw, along with muscle aching and discomfort. 

As you can imagine, issues such as these can certainly have an impact on a person's quality of life. What may start out as a slight inconvenience can quickly turn into an instruction that gets in the way of your regular routine. That's why it's critical that you find a solution to remedy this problem as soon as possible. 

While TMJ can be painful and cause problems, you can take comfort that it is a treatable condition. Talk to your dentist right away and see if they can diagnose you with TMJ. They may need to take x-rays and do a complete examination in their office. It only takes a few minutes to complete this exam, and then you'll be on your way to finding a solution for this problem. 

What is TMJ?

TMJ is the joint dysfunction that connects your jawbone to your skull. This joint acts like a moveable hinge, and it slides to allow your jawbone to chew, talk, and overall function like it’s supposed to. When this joint begins to dysfunction, this can lead to pain and discomfort. You may notice it is more difficult to chew or yawn. Other symptoms may be a clicking sound when you move your jawbone, or it may lock when you open your mouth too wide. This is a treatable condition meaning that you don't have to live your life in pain or discomfort. Your dentist may prescribe medication or physical therapy to heal the issue. One of the more surprising solutions happens to be Botox. While you may be familiar with its benefits for tightening wrinkles, it also has other benefits for treating TMJ symptoms. Let's discuss how that works. 

How does Botox help TMJ?

This option to relieve TMJ has had positive results. Injecting this substance into certain jaw muscles will reduce muscle strain and tension. It will relieve muscle spasms in the neck and help with teeth grinding and headaches. Many individuals who received Botox noticed they had a better range of motion in their neck and less discomfort from the symptoms associated with TMJ. Ultimately, this solution proves to beneficial for patients who are looking for relief from TMJ side effects. 

Side effects of this treatment

You may experience some side effects if you choose this option to treat your TMJ. Headaches are very common, as well as nausea. You may also develop a respiratory infection or have a temporary eyelid droop. Your dentist can go over any possible side effects and inform you of what you should do if they occur. The side effects should subside shortly after the treatment is complete. 

Causes of TMJ

TMJ can come about for several reasons that may surprise you. TMJ patients usually have some form of orthopedic problems such as inflammation and sore muscles or disk problems although this is not always the case. A person’s genes can also influence TMJ, and you may be more likely to suffer from it if someone in your immediate family does. It is also important to note that women are also more likely to develop TMJ than men. 

Consult your dentist

As with any symptoms you are having, please do not put off discussing them with your dentist if they are impacting your daily life. You never know which issues may develop into more serious problems the longer they go untreated. Your dentist is the best source to determine if you indeed are suffering from TMJ. They will diagnose you and recommend treatment options that are best for your exact symptoms. You can go over the options and call your insurance company to determine what options and treatments will be covered. 

Keep in contact with your dentist and keep your scheduled checkups every six months. This is the best way to catch any issue and get treated promptly. You'll be glad that you took steps to protect your oral health. 

Request an appointment here: https://ericlarsondds.com or call Eric A. Larson DDS at (801) 871-8983 for an appointment in our Salt Lake City office.

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