BYE, BYE TMJ – BOTOX TAKES THE PAIN AWAY!
Let’s give three cheers for Botox Cosmetic! Once again, this amazing product has proven it is a reliable treatment to relieve the pain of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) for months at a time.
In simple terms, TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint where the skull (temporal bone) connects to the jawbone (mandible). This joint is important for swallowing, eating, talking, and some facial expressions. TMJ is often a chronic disorder with pain or discomfort along the jawline, surrounding tissues, and neck muscles. Approximately more than ten million Americans are affected by TMJ, and there is no permanent cure for the pain.
TMJ Symptoms
TMJ symptoms may include pain or tenderness of the jaw, pain in one or both temporomandibular joints, and locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth. Other symptoms could include aching pain in and around the ear, difficulty or pain while chewing, and throbbing facial soreness. Some TMJ patients experience headaches, tension, and sore neck muscles.
…Let’s give three cheers for Botox Cosmetic! Once again, this amazing product has proven it is a reliable treatment to relieve the pain of TMJ for months at a time.
It is important for patients with TMJ to consult with either a dentist or board-certified dermatologist, like our staff, who understands anatomy. During the consultation, we will examine and listen to each patient to accurately diagnose the cause of TMJ and tailor an appropriate treatment.
TMJ Symptoms
TMJ symptoms may include pain or tenderness of the jaw, pain in one or both temporomandibular joints, and locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth. Other symptoms could include aching pain in and around the ear, difficulty or pain while chewing, and throbbing facial soreness. Some TMJ patients experience headaches, tension, and sore neck muscles.
…Let’s give three cheers for Botox Cosmetic! Once again, this amazing product has proven it is a reliable treatment to relieve the pain of TMJ for months at a time.
It is important for patients with TMJ to consult with either a dentist or board-certified dermatologist, like our staff, who understands anatomy. During the consultation, we will examine and listen to each patient to accurately diagnose the cause of TMJ and tailor an appropriate treatment.
Some of the causes of TMJ are arthritis of the jaw, an injury to the jaw, and long-term grinding or clenching of teeth. These chronic symptoms may lead to ear pain, depression, or eating disorders, and there is no cure to permanently alleviate the pain.
Once our physicians have determined the causes for your discomfort, our professional and experienced staff will recommend an ongoing treatment to assuage the pain. There are pills to manage the tenderness of TMJ, such as pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, and tricyclic antidepressants. Other treatments include mouth guards, physical therapy, and surgical or other procedures.
However, in some cases, we recommend Botox injections as an alternate treatment for great results. Call today to schedule a consultation to see if Botox can help you get on a maintenance path towards managing the chronic and debilitating condition.
Many of our patients have received Botox injections for cosmetic wrinkle treatments for years. Botox is also FDA approved for the treatment of migraines and excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). Botox blocks nerve signals from the brain to relax muscles and inhibit certain movements. When we inject Botox as a treatment for TMJ, it unlocks certain jaw muscles, reducing muscle spasms in the neck. It also relieves jaw tension and decreases teeth grinding and headaches caused by pressure.
…Botox blocks nerve signals from the brain to relax muscles and inhibit certain movements.
Though the FDA has not yet approved Botox for TMJ treatments, there have been encouraging results from studies conducted in 2003, 2008, and 2012. A study of 26 participants run in 2012 found that Botox could decrease pain and increase mouth movements for three months. In addition, Botox treatments for face and jawline slimming have been used in other countries for over fifteen years. Currently, over 600 studies are evaluating this beneficial treatment that provides long-lasting relief for TMJ sufferers.
Typically, appointments for Botox treatments to alleviate TMJ take ten to thirty minutes, and the procedure is similar to other Botox and filler therapies. First, the medical assistant will treat the area with numbing cream to minimize discomfort. Then our professional staff member will inject the Botox into the masseter muscle and the temporalis muscle. There will be two to three injections into the temporalis muscle with 10-25 units of Botox. Next, there will be three injections to the masseter muscle with 25-30 units of Botox.
It is important that patients remain upright and avoid massaging or rubbing the injection sites for several hours after treatment to keep from spreading the Botox to other muscles. The good news is that you can return to your regular activities immediately after your appointment.
As with most filler injections, there may be temporary side effects such as bruising at the injection site, muscle weakness, headaches, or an asymmetrical smile for a few weeks. We believe these minimal risks are far better than a frown from TMJ pain!
Though there is no cure for TMJ, the benefits of Botox treatments typically last for three months. However, some patients have achieved positive results lasting up to six months or longer with subsequent injections.
…Patients tell us they are thrilled that a week or two after receiving injections, they can chew food more easily, sleep better, have fewer headaches, and experience less jaw discomfort.
Patients tell us they are thrilled that a week or two after receiving injections, they can chew food more easily, sleep better, have fewer headaches, and experience less jaw discomfort. With additional Botox sessions over several months, patients have reported that this relatively safe and effective treatment keeps improving their lifestyle. An added benefit is that Botox injections for TMJ slim the face and jawline, resulting in a more heart-shaped face.
The cost for Botox injections is based upon the units required per session. Watch for our emails detailing special discounts, videos, webinars, and Day of Beauty events for terrific prices for Botox Cosmetic. Also, please ask our staff about rewards programs for Botox Cosmetic and other fillers.
The goal of our professional team at Contour Dermatology is to alleviate your pain from TMJ. Patients can choose to use pills, mouth guards, physical therapy, surgical procedures, or Botox Cosmetic to deal with the debilitating and chronic pain of TMJ.
So, bye, bye TMJ, Botox takes the pain away! Get ready to smile, chew, laugh, sing, pout, dance and move your head and neck without the agony of TMJ. Let Botox change your life so that you sleep better and wake with the energy to work, exercise and play sports with enthusiasm again.
Rah, rah, Botox! You may even get out those pom-poms from the attic and practice your cheers of joy. At Contour Dermatology, we look forward to using Botox to give you back the exciting life you deserve.
Will and Jada Pinkett Smith’s 11-year-old daughter, Willow, was recently given a tongue-lashing on social media after posting a picture of herself sporting a tongue piercing on Instagram.
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Dr. Timothy Jochen Medical Director, Contour Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery Center Dr. Jochen specializes in Mohs Surgery for skin cancer…
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