How Long Does It Take BOTOX to Work for TMJ?

If you suffer from a disorder of the temporomandibular joint, often called TMJ, you’re not alone. Researchers estimate that somewhere between 5-12% of the population has some form of TMJ disorder, which is up to almost 40 million people in the U.S. alone. What is TMJ and how can BOTOX, the world’s most popular wrinkle treatment, provide relief for TMJ disorder patients? 

What is TMJ?

While many people refer to the disorders of the temporomandibular joint as TMJ, this is a bit of a misnomer. Actually, TMJ is just an abbreviation for the joint itself, so the disorders of this joint should actually be abbreviated as TMD. In either case, TMJ disorders are a variety of conditions that cause loss of function or pain in the TMJ and/or surrounding muscles and soft tissues. TMJ disorders are often organized in three categories - dysfunction of the jaw joint, dysfunction of the chewing muscles, or headaches related to these dysfunctions. TMJ disorders can have debilitating symptoms, including::

• Jaw pain
• Facial pain
• Shoulder pain
• Neck pain
• Jaw stiffness
• Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
• Jaw popping or clicking
• Headaches or even migraines
• Earaches
• Toothache
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Misalignment of the teeth

How Does BOTOX Work to Treat TMJ?

When you hear BOTOX, you probably think of cosmetic procedures to reduce the appearance of wrinkles…but this powerhouse medication can do much more than just make you look younger. BOTOX is a neurotoxin that can relax the chewing muscles, relieving tension and pain in the jaw joints. While BOTOX does not treat the underlying cause of TMJ disorders, it is a safe and effective treatment to alleviate TMJ disorder symptoms.

How Long Until You See Results?

Some people report relief of pain and tension within just 1-2 days after receiving BOTOX injections for TMJ disorders. Full effects are typically seen around 7-10 days after the treatment.

How Long Do the Results Last?

For TMJ disorder sufferers who do not want to take daily pain medication, BOTOX offers a longer-term solution. Pain and tension relief from BOTOX injections can last up to four months before additional injections are needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About BOTOX for TMJ Disorders

If BOTOX is a toxin, is BOTOX for TMJ disorders safe?

Yes, BOTOX is a neurotoxin that contains the botulinum toxin, which prevents muscles from moving and contracting for a certain amount of time. While botulinum toxin is also known for causing certain types of food poisoning, the toxin used in BOTOX injections has been purified and meets medical quality standards. BOTOX has been safely used in humans since the 1970’s for various medical and cosmetic purposes.

Can I get BOTOX injections for TMJ disorders and wrinkles at the same time?

Receiving BOTOX for TMJ disorder symptoms and wrinkle reduction at the same time is possible, but only after careful consideration from a qualified dental professional. After a comprehensive review of your dental and cosmetic needs, a dentist may approve receiving the BOTOX treatment for multiple purposes simultaneously.

BOTOX for TMJ Disorders in Stockbridge, GA

TMJ disorders encompass a variety of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint and the surrounding muscles and soft tissues. TMJ disorders can cause pain and loss of function, impairing a person’s ability to eat or even speak. Our qualified and talented team of dental professionals is well-versed in treatment of TMJ disorders, including using BOTOX to quell symptoms for months at a time while the underlying cause is corrected. To schedule an appointment with us, give us a call at 770-389-0389 or book an appointment online.