Botox is an FDA-approved treatment that can reduce pain and discomfort from TMJ. In particular, botox for tmj works by blocking the release of a neurotransmitter that causes muscles to contract and tighten. This helps alleviate the pressure and pain associated with TMJ disorders.
TMJ Botox injections are a noninvasive procedure that can be performed right in your doctor’s office. The injection may feel like an insect bite or a pinprick, and Dr. Green may recommend a numbing cream to ease discomfort.
How Does Botox Work?
For those who experience severe TMJ symptoms that interfere with eating, sleeping and relaxing, this non-surgical treatment can help relieve pain and pressure. During the procedure, the botulinum toxin is injected into certain facial muscles to relax them.
This helps to relieve jaw tension and pain caused by teeth grinding and clenching and involuntary strain on the masseter muscle in the jaw. The injection itself feels similar to a pinprick or an insect bite and typically takes no more than 10 to 30 minutes.
Patients will need multiple sessions to get the best results, which usually last for three months. Afterwards, some post-treatment soreness and stiffness is possible but will subside with time.
What Are the Side Effects of Botox Injections for TMJ?
While many patients think of Botox as a cosmetic treatment for eliminating frown lines and wrinkles, the injectable drug is also FDA-approved to treat several muscular disorders. When used to relax the masseter muscle, it alleviates tension along the jawline and eliminates TMJ symptoms such as clenching and grinding your teeth or headaches.
Dr. Green performs the injections with a practiced hand and most patients experience little to no discomfort. However, it is recommended to sit upright and avoid rubbing the injection area in order to keep the botulinum toxin from spreading to other areas of the face.
The botox is not meant to change the structure of your face or the shape of your smile. It only reduces clenching and grinding in the jaw muscles, not the other muscles of the face.
Are Botox Injections Painless?
The most common side effects of Botox are redness, swelling, and tenderness at the injection site. However, these are typically mild and short-lived.
An experienced practitioner uses a gentle injection technique with small needles, making the process more comfortable for patients. In addition, they use a topical anesthetic and ice to further reduce discomfort.
A common misconception is that Botox and Dysport injections are painful. This is not true for everyone, but it depends on the patient’s sensitivity and the location of the injection site. Injections around the eyes and lips tend to be more painful because of this delicate skin. Moreover, genetics also play a role in how much pain patients feel.
Are Botox Injections Covered by Insurance?
Although considered cosmetic, Botox is approved by the FDA to treat chronic migraine headaches, severe neck spasms, and excessive sweating. It may be possible to get insurance coverage for your procedure if you can establish medical necessity.
If you have a flex spending account or health savings account, it may be possible to use these funds to pay for your treatment. We recommend you contact your insurance company directly to find out more about how to qualify for coverage. Many insurance claims require an appeals process, which requires persistence and thorough documentation. However, with the right preparation, you can be successful. Getting insurance coverage for your TMJ Botox injections can help you reduce your overall cost of treatment.
How Long Do Botox Injections Last?
If you suffer from TMJ, Botox injections may help alleviate symptoms and improve your quality of life. However, they do not provide permanent relief and will require ongoing treatment sessions to maintain positive effects.
After the procedure, you may experience a little discomfort and bruising in the injection sites for a few days. The doctor may use a topical numbing cream or cold pack before the treatment to minimize discomfort.
It is important to avoid rubbing or massaging the injection site to prevent the Botulinum toxin from moving to other areas of the face. This can cause severe bruising and blood clots that will block the effectiveness of the treatment.
Are There Any Risks With Botox Injections for TMJ?
While TMJ pain, jaw clenching and face stiffness can result from many causes, most cases of TMD/TMJ involve overactive masseter muscles. Botox injections can relax these muscles and prevent them from involuntarily clenching to reduce jaw pain, earaches and headaches associated with TMJ disorders.
For patients who have tried other methods to relieve TMJ symptoms such as ice packs, mouth guards and medications but still experience jaw pain and involuntary bruxism, Botox may be the solution. It has a great safety record and is used by millions of people every year. After treatment, it’s recommended to avoid rubbing or massaging the injected area and remain upright for several hours.