BOTOX® Cosmetic is widely known for its ability to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. At Fort Bend Dental, we can also alleviate the symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder with BOTOX Cosmetic at our Missouri City, TX and Richmond, TX offices.
Our team’s extensive knowledge and experience treating TMJ disorder makes us one of the best dental practices to see for this advanced treatment. With this technique, we can dramatically reduce or eliminate your symptoms so you can live a pain-free life. Here, you can learn more about BOTOX for TMJ disorder.
What Is BOTOX Cosmetic?
BOTOX Cosmetic is one of the top injectable treatments in the United States for lines and wrinkles. The solution contains small amounts of purified botulinum protein.
When injected into strategic locations, these chemicals block the nerve impulses that cause muscle contraction. The contraction of muscles noticeably causes fine lines and wrinkles in the skin, but it can also cause pain in the TMJ. We offer BOTOX Cosmetic as an alternative treatment option for TMJ.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
Your TMJs connect your jaw and your temporal bones, and are situated in front of each ear. Patients with TMJ disorder may experience painful and loud popping in the jaw when they chew, yawn, or speak. Other symptoms often include jaw pain, earaches, headaches, neck and shoulder pain, and more.
There are many potential causes of TMJ disorder, which may include bruxism (teeth grinding), clenching your teeth, misaligned jaws, stress, and arthritis. These issues can all place excess pressure on the TMJ and the surrounding muscles, causing chronic pain.
We may recommends BOTOX® Cosmetic to help reduce TMJ pain by relaxing the over-stressed and strained muscles. This treatment can also be combined with an oral appliance to significantly relieve your symptoms and allow your TMJ to heal.
What Is the Treatment Process Like?
BOTOX injections are quick and simple. In most cases, our doctors can perform your treatment in less than 15 minutes so you can get back to work or your other activities.
Prior to the injection, we will cleanse the treatment area. Your doctor can then make a couple injections into specific areas on either side of your face to target your TMJ muscles. The needles used are very small and typically only cause minor discomfort, if any.
You may experience some redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site. These are common reactions, but are typically mild and should subside in a day or two. While you may notice an immediate improvement in your symptoms, it may take a few days for you to experience the full effects of the treatment. It is important to note that the effects of BOTOX Cosmetic will wear off in four to six months, and you may require retreatment to alleviate your pain.
Most patients feel their quality of life is improved significantly with BOTOX injections. In addition, by relaxing strained muscles, your jaw and the surrounding tissues may finally be able to heal, eliminating your TMJ disorder.
What Are the Benefits of Treatment?
Using BOTOX Cosmetic to treat TMJ disorder allows for quick, effective treatment, and therefore, fast relief. Within just a day or two, you should notice a dramatic improvement in your symptoms.
You will likely begin sleeping better, resulting in more energy. You can enjoy your favorite foods without painful symptoms. Most patients feel their quality of life is improved significantly with BOTOX injections.
In addition, by relaxing strained muscles, your jaw and the surrounding tissues may finally be able to heal, eliminating your TMJ disorder.
Contact Our Practice
To find out if you are a good candidate for BOTOX Cosmetic to treat your TMJ disorder, contact our office online today to schedule a consultation. We can help you choose the best treatment to reduce your pain and treat the underlying cause of your condition. You can also call us (281) 336-9899 (Missouri City) or (281) 336-9971 (Richmond).
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