Botox® For TMJ

Pain from TMJ Disorder (TMD) and other conditions, including teeth grinding, can be debilitating and difficult to alleviate. However, there is hope. At Crespo Dental we treat patients who experience persistent facial pain, particularly from TMD, with therapeutic BOTOX injections. These injections target specific muscles that cause jaw tension or tightness that contribute to headaches and facial pain tied to TMJ disorder, bruxism, long-term stress, or traumatic injury.

How Does BOTOX® Alleviate Pain from TMJ Disorder?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is an incredibly complex joint responsible for chewing, eating, talking, laughing, and swallowing. When the joints are misaligned, unevenly worn, or overworked, chronic inflammation can cause many symptoms, including headaches, jaw pain, facial pain, earaches, tension headaches, and migraines. Injecting BOTOX into the muscles forces them to relax and prevents them from clenching back up, alleviating the pain.

If you suffer from TMJ pain, we can inject a series of small doses of therapeutic BOTOX into the muscles just beneath the skin. It is a simple, in-office procedure with no downtime, designed to fit into your busy schedule. Depending on the severity of the pain, specific muscles are targeted, with injections in the forehead, jawline, and temples. Most patients begin to feel relief within one or two days, with full relief within a week.

What About Facial Pain and Headaches?

BOTOX for facial pain works similarly to treating TMJ pain, although different muscles are targeted. The injections not only relax and temporarily prevent the muscles from tensing but also block nerve signals to the brain that transmit pain. This combination relieves migraine and facial pain for up to four months.

How Long Does BOTOX® Treatment Take?

BOTOX for facial pain takes between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on how many injections are needed. Many patients receive BOTOX for pain on their lunch break and return to work or their daily activities without problem.

Are There Side Effects of BOTOX® for Pain?

The injections feel like a bee sting or a pinprick. The discomfort immediately fades, and there should be no lingering side effects other than mild bruising or redness that fades in a few days. Apply an ice pack on the first day if the area feels tender. Because the muscles relax after treatment, patients may see a temporary reduction in frown lines and some facial wrinkles. Other side effects are rare, including temporary eyelids drooping, flu-like symptoms, and nausea. These usually subside in the first week. It’s important to note that BOTOX is a safe and well-tolerated treatment when administered by a qualified healthcare professional.

If you have tried other treatments for TMJ pain, chronic headaches, or facial pain without success, therapeutic BOTOX® may bring you lasting relief. Contact our office at Crespo Dental Corp Phone Number (510) 236-5640 to schedule a consultation to discuss how BOTOX can alleviate your pain and keep it under control in the future. Don’t let pain control your life. Take the first step towards relief today.