Some dentists offer Botox® for TMJ symptom relief. Although it is not yet approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the results in studies thus far have been very promising, with many patients reporting symptom relief for their TMJ in as little as just a few days.
As is the case with any treatment, it is important to understand the efficacy of Botox® for TMJ before starting treatment. The following is everything to know about Botox® for TMJ, including what it is, how well the studies have gone and how the treatment process works.
Botox® is a unique product that contains the bacterium clostridium botulinum. It is primarily used for cosmetic purposes, such as to remove wrinkles in older adults. However, Botox® can help in a variety of other ways as well, including to treat neck spasms, lazy eye and an overactive bladder. As it relates to treatment for TMJ, Botox® may help prevent migraine headaches and improve flexibility and movement in the jaw, along with decreasing pain and other TMJ-related symptoms.
Many dentists recommend Botox® to patients with TMJ, although they may try other treatments first such as anti-inflammatory medication or a dental mouthguard. Many patients report TMJ symptom relief from Botox® treatment within several days. There have been several studies that specifically research the efficacy of Botox® for TMJ treatment. On average, the results have suggested more than 90 percent of patients with TMJ see symptom relief through Botox® treatment, although the sample sizes in each study have been relatively small.
As mentioned, Botox® is often recommended as a secondary option for TMJ symptoms. However, more severe instances of TMJ may require Botox® for relief, particularly when less invasive options such as oral medication and a dental mouthguard do not work. Although the FDA has yet to approve Botox® for TMJ, it primarily is due to the small sample size in testing. Botox® is approved for many other means of treatment, and it is safe and non-invasive for TMJ patients to try.
Individuals who try Botox® for TMJ will require several visits to the dentist, although the average time for each visit is under 30 minutes for many patients. The number of visits that are necessary may vary, but it typically involves three or more visits over the course of several months. During the visit, the dentist will inject Botox® into jaw muscles and other areas of the face. There may be a slight discomfort from the injection, but the recovery time is quick.
If you want to learn more about Botox® for TMJ to determine if treatment is right for you, then schedule a consultation visit with our dental team today. We guide our patients through each step of the process and pride ourselves on helping patients find relief from TMJ symptoms.
Request an appointment here: https://www.keepsmilingdentalpc.com or call Keep Smiling Dental PC at (908) 425-4051 for an appointment in our Belleville office.
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