If you struggle with jaw pain, headaches, or a tight feeling in your face, you may have TMJ disorder. Many patients are now looking at Botox in Edmonton to get relief from TMJ. Botox is now getting media attention as a potential relief from TMJ because it is a non-surgical option that eases tension and discomfort in the jaw muscles of patients who have had success using other methods or have had no relief, although they have tried other methods.
Understanding TMJ and Its Symptoms
There are two types of pain relating to TMJ: the pain from your jaw itself and the pain from grinding your teeth. TMJ is an abbreviation for temporomandibular joint disorder and can occur when the joints that connect the jawbone to the skull are misaligned or placed under stress. The most common symptoms of TMJ include:
- Pain or soreness in the jaw, mostly when chewing
- Headaches. Sometimes migraines
- Making popping or clicking noises when you open or close your mouth
- Teeth grinding and/or clenching of the jaws, with a lot of the clenching happening at night while asleep
Some patients see an improvement in symptoms with lifestyle modifications and dental appliances, but many patients continue to have persistent discomfort. For these patients, Botox for TMJ relief may be an effective treatment option.
How Botox Helps with TMJ
Botox relieves jaw tension by temporarily relaxing the muscles. Through the injection of small amounts of botulinum toxin into targeted sites, overactive or tight muscles relax. The results are:
- Reduced grinding of teeth and clenching of the jaw
- Reduced discomfort and pain in the neck and jaw
- Reduced incidences of headache and migraines associated with TMJ
- The effects typically may last for 4-6 months, with an option for retreatment if desired.
What to Expect in Treatment
If you are having TMJ botox treatment, this is what you can expect in a visit:
- Consultation: The dentist will listen to you discuss your symptoms, watch how you move your jaw, and consider your medical history to assess if Botox will be an option for you.
- Marking injection sites: The muscles where there is tension are marked in minor ways as injection guides.
- Injection: Small doses of Botox are carefully injected into the specific muscles causing tension. Most people experience hardly any discomfort.
- Recovery: There’s hardly ever any downtime. A little soreness or swelling may occur, but most can continue with their normal activities immediately.
You may start noticing results within a few days, with the full effect typically appearing within two weeks.
Advantages Besides Pain Management
In addition to alleviating TMJ chronic pain and discomfort, Botox can also enhance quality of life by:
- Reducing jaw tension that interferes with speech or eating
- Preventing wear and tear on teeth caused by teeth grinding
- Allowing patients to sleep comfortably and more peacefully because of less muscle strain
Because Botox specifically targets the source of muscle overactivity, it gets at the source of discomfort rather than just masking the symptoms. If you are looking for a dental clinic near you, treatment with Botox is one avenue to explore for alleviation of the pain in the TMJ.
Experience Relief at Whyte Ave Dental Choice
If you are looking for a dental clinic to learn more about TMJ treatment options, Whyte Ave Dental Choice can provide support and care for patients seeking relief. Our team can assist in explaining how Botox works and what you might expect the outcome to be, and create a strategy that suits your requirements.
Don’t let your jaw be in charge of your life any longer! Book your consultation at Whyte Ave Dental Choice today and take the first step toward comfort and relief. You should give your jaw a rest. This simple and effective treatment can really change your day-to-day existence.
