You’ve been living with chronic jaw pain and TMJ headaches for too long, and you’ve finally made time to see your dentist to discuss possible treatments. However, when going over possible treatments, one jumps out at you like a sore thumb: BOTOX in downtown Boston. You’ve heard of BOTOX being used to reduce wrinkles, of course, but you’ve never heard of it as a headache solution. How exactly can it help you find relief from your TMJ disorder? You can learn more about the treatment and how it works below.
What Causes a TMJ Disorder?
To understand how BOTOX can be used to stop your TMJ headaches, first you need to recall what a TMJ disorder is. The TMJ – or temporomandibular joint – is the key joint that allows you to move your lower jaw for chewing and speaking. Since the joint is so complex, it tends to be extremely sensitive to stress and injury. A problem with the TMJ is known as a TMJ disorder.
The main cause of a TMJ disorder can vary from person to person, but one particularly notable risk factor is excessive strain. This might be a result of clenching or grinding your teeth at night. Whatever the cause, though, the strain can cause the TMJ to become overworked or even displaced, leading to headaches and jaw pain. In order to stop your discomfort, it’s necessary to reduce the amount of strain that the joint is exposed to.
How Can BOTOX Help?
A BOTOX injection blocks the chemical nerve signals that cause muscle contractions. In other words, they help the facial muscles at the injection site relax. As such, BOTOX is a potential solution for any TMJ disorder that is the result of excessive strain. Once the TMJ is given a break from the tension that it’s constantly experiencing, it has a chance to rest and heal. As a result, you’ll experience headaches less often, you’ll sleep better at night, and you might feel less anxious in general. As a bonus, because TMJ reduces unconscious clenching and grinding, it can help protect your teeth from long-term damage.
What is the BOTOX Procedure for TMJ?
Your dentist will first numb the injection area so that you don’t feel any discomfort. Then a tiny amount of botulinum toxin is injected near or around the TMJ. Multiple injections may be required depending on the severity of the problems. You’ll be told not to rub the area for at least 24 hours so that the toxin doesn’t spread to a different area, but otherwise you can simply return to your normal routine right away.
Is BOTOX right for you and your TMJ disorder? Talk to your dentist in downtown Boston. Once they understand the nature of your condition, they can recommend BOTOX or other possible solutions that will let you enjoy a pain-free lifestyle again.
About Devonshire Dental Associates
Here at Devonshire Dental Associates, our team of general dentists and specialists are providing comprehensive dental care for families all across the area. Having so many experts under one roof allows us to offer a variety of treatments, and that includes BOTOX for TMJ. To set up a consultation to discuss relief for your jaw pain, you can visit our website or call (617) 350-7474.