TMJ Treatment and Botox Therapy in Long Island
Your temporomandibular joints are located on either side of your head just in front of your ears. Several muscles, ligaments and bones must work in unison for these joints to function properly, allowing you to open and close your mouth with ease. TMJ disorder (TMD) may result when a condition prevents these joints from operating smoothly.
HOW CAN BOTOX® HELP?
Botox® injections can be an effective part of your dental treatment plan to relieve the pain and discomfort associated with TMD and bruxism, or teeth grinding.
Several circumstances can contribute to the onset of TMJ disorder. For some patients, a hard blow to the face, head or neck can traumatize the jaw and lead to TMD. For others, a bite problem forces the joints out of their sockets. Also, teeth grinding and clenching that can cause teeth to have uneven surfaces may lead to improper jaw closure and TMD.
Regardless of the cause, the symptoms are almost universal, and they begin with pain that can range from annoying to incapacitating when you open your mouth to chew, talk or yawn. Other symptoms include:
- A popping sound when you open your mouth
- The feeling that your jaw is locked in place
- Ear pain without indication of infection
- Frequent headaches, especially tension headaches
- Swelling along the side of your face
- Sensitive teeth
THE BOTOX PROCEDURE
When Botox® is injected into the muscles that are affected by TMD, it can relieve pain and tension, as well as reduce the headaches and facial pain caused by nightly teeth grinding and clenching. Botox® works by blocking nerve receptors and preventing jaw muscles from over contracting. We inject enough Botox to relax your muscles without impairing your ability to chew, speak and move your jaw. Botox injections quickly and effectively relax the muscles that lead to TMJ pain.
BOTOX® TREATMENT FOR TMJ RELIEF:
- Takes just a few minutes;
- Is comfortable – the needles are very small, and patients compare the sensation to a tiny prick or bug bite;
- Remains effective for approximately 3 months;
- After a series of treatments, Botox® can retrain your muscles to relax for longer periods of time.
Most of our Botox patients feel relief within two to seven days after their first treatment. Only the areas injected with Botox® are affected, so your facial features will still move and express emotion as usual. And because Botox® treatment for TMJ disorder is non-surgical and non-invasive, you will be able to return to your normal daily activities almost immediately after treatment.
REQUEST A CONSULTATION TO LEARN MORE
To learn more about Botox® therapy in Long Island that relieve the symptoms of TMD, or to schedule an appointment, contact us today!
