Can Botox Treat TMJ?

Botox is an increasingly popular service in dental offices, largely because it’s versatile enough to treat multiple issues. If you have TMJ in Foley, we’ll look at whether Botox can be helpful to curb discomfort and if it’s the right solution for you.

Can Botox Treat TMJ?

Botox is largely used for relief from TMJ as opposed to a treatment for it. With Botox, the injection relaxes the chewing muscles, so they’re less likely to spasm when you open and close your mouth. If you do use Botox as a temporary fix for TMJ, you can expect the treatment to last several months (typically no more than six).

Is Botox Risky?

Botox is technically a type of toxin, so it’s worth asking whether these treatments are safe. The truth is that Botox has always been considered a safe treatment, though it’s become far safer as healthcare professionals have learned more about dosages based on the patient’s physiology. Today, the most likely side effect is pain or numbness at the injection site.

Should I Get Botox?

This question largely depends on the cause of your TMJ. If you’re suffering from a temporary issue, like trauma or stress, then Botox may be just what you need to tide you over as you either heal or recover. If you have chronic TMJ, you’ll need to work with your dentist to find a permanent solution. For example, you might need to wear a nightguard if you habitually grind your teeth at night (despite stress reduction exercises).

At Sand Dollar Dental, you can find a dentist in Foley to help you explore Botox as an option for your TMJ and recommend other services or treatments to help you round out your strategy.