If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your jaw, with frequent headaches and popping or clicking noises when opening your mouth, you might be dealing with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
The TMJ is where the jawbone (mandible) joins to the skull (temporal bone), functioning essentially as a sliding hinge on both sides of the face.
Botox treatment has evolved over the past few years into one of the most popular procedures that are affordable and easily accessible. Apart from its cosmetic uses, Botox has also proved to be an effective treatment for TMJ disorders. A common treatment for TMJ is botox injections, but it’s not always clear how many units of the injectable should be used.
How do Botox Injections Work?
Botox has been licensed by the FDA for cosmetic use to minimize the appearance of small lines and wrinkles around the eyes and across the forehead and for medical use to treat persistent migraines and muscle spasms.
The most commonly affected muscles are the temporalis, masseter, and lateral pterygoid muscles. The temporalis and masseter muscles are almost always involved and usually manifest as direct muscle pain.
Botox has been injected directly into the masseter muscle to shrink the face and facial muscles in Asia for years. Many people want masseter muscle injections to have a longer, thinner face.
When Botox is injected into the masseter muscle, the muscle relaxes, and the neurotoxin prevents the muscle from contracting, hence reducing clenching of the jaw.
Botox injections relieved TMD symptoms by as much as 90% in patients who did not respond to conservative treatment techniques (e.g., mouthguard or stress relief, according to research.
Botox injections weaken, paralyze, or block specific muscles and nerves. Depending on the treated condition, the effects typically last between three and twelve months. The most common adverse effects at the injection site are discomfort, edema, or bruising.
In the past, patients with TMJ symptoms relied on mouth guards, bite guards, or stability splints to reduce jaw stress while sleeping, prevent tooth enamel erosion, and enhance oral health. Patients with significant pain, such as swelling jaw muscles or recurrent migraines, may try “no-chew” diets, cognitive behavioral therapy, physical therapy, or even surgery.
Alternative treatments have been developed due to the inconsistency of existing treatments’ outcomes. Botox injections along the jaw are a novel method for limiting, decreasing, and in some cases eliminating TMJ/TMD symptoms.
How Many Units of Botox for TMJ Pain?
It is important to understand that the amount of Botox needed for TMJ pain varies significantly from person to person. Depending on your unique condition and individual response to treatment, anywhere from 20 to 50 units may be injected on either side of the face into the muscles of mastication (the muscles that control chewing).
Your doctor will help you determine how much Botox is best for you by assessing your symptoms and evaluating an appropriate dose. It’s also important to note that many people require more than one area injected for satisfactory results. Generally speaking, one injection session lasts between 10 to 20 minutes and requires no downtime afterward.
The effects of Botox take a while to kick in, but you may start feeling relief within 24 to 48 hours. For some people, the full results can be seen within one to two weeks.
After treatment, some minor adverse effects are possible, including redness at the injection site and muscle weakness.
For Botox treatments to best address TMJ pain, it’s essential that your doctor carefully studies your anatomy before injecting any medication. To ensure correct placement during treatment, precise injections must be made directly into or close enough near the affected muscle where you feel jaw pain or tenderness; otherwise, it won’t effectively target the problem area(s).
Furthermore, suppose too much is administered per site. In that case, long-term immobility can occur due to paralysis of a facial nerve resulting in a crooked smile or drooping eyelids, which could become permanent if not treated accordingly (i.e., switching medications or getting restorative surgery).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Botox last for TMJ?
When it comes to how long Botox lasts for TMJ, the answer is that it varies depending on each individual patient. Generally speaking, a single session of Botox injections can last from three to six months. That said, there have been cases where Botox treatments have lasted up to nine months or even longer.
Suppose you’re considering using Botox as part of your TMJ treatment plan. In that case, you should speak with a specialist familiar with this area who can provide personalized recommendations based on your individual needs and goals.
Within this timeframe, you can receive numerous Botox treatments from your Botox specialist to maintain the positive effects.
Does Botox for TMJ disorder change face shape?
Yes, Botox is effective in treating TMJ disorder. Botox can help to reduce the tension and pain associated with TMJ disorder by relaxing the temporomandibular joint muscles, which are responsible for chewing and other facial movements. Temporarily paralyzing these muscles can also reduce their appearance and shape your jawline.
Though you can return to your usual lifestyle immediately after the Botox treatment, it is generally advised to follow certain precautions, such as:
- Avoid massaging or rubbing the injected areas
- Sit upright for some time to prevent the Botox from spreading into other areas
- Use a cold pack around the injected area to relieve pain and discomfort
Will insurance cover Botox for TMJ?
Yes, insurance may cover the cost of Botox for TMJ. However, the extent to which your insurer will cover those costs depends on several factors. First, you must have a documented medical need to inject Botox into your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This means that your physician must provide evidence that shows you’ve been diagnosed with chronic tension headaches or myofascial pain syndrome due to TMJ disorder. Second, your insurance company must offer coverage for “injectable medications” to pay any portion of the treatment costs.
But remember, every insurance company is different, so check with them before starting treatment.
Who is a Good Candidate for Botox?
Our jaw muscles are among the most active in the body, often functioning throughout the day and frequently storing stress overnight.
If you’re suffering from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder and have yet to find relief, then Botox may be the perfect solution for you. This method of treatment has rapidly become one of the most commonly used treatments for this disorder due to its very high success rate in providing both short-term relief from pain and discomfort as well as long-term prevention of teeth-grinding.
Botox works by disrupting the signals that control your jaw muscles. It is injected into specific locations around those muscles, temporarily weakening them and allowing your jaw to relax back into its naturally comfortable alignment rather than the position it’s locked in when it leads to grinding or clenching. The weakened state remains active for several months, allowing long-term relief without having to re-inject regularly as some other treatments require.
Besides being highly effective, Botox has also been proven very safe when administered by a trained professional such as a dentist specializing in TMJ disorders; there are rarely any side effects associated with its use apart from some slight soreness or tenderness where the injection was made. In addition, many people have found that after they finish their injections, they experience greater ease in eating due to improved range of motion within their jaw joints since they no longer have stiffness or pain, causing them restrictions when chewing food or speaking normally.
Overall, Botox is an excellent option if you suffer from TMJ disorder and have been unable to find relief through more traditional treatments like wearing mouthguards at nighttime or taking muscle relaxants during particularly painful flareups of symptoms associated with grinding teeth – it’s fast-acting while also offering sustained relief so that you can truly gain freedom from your condition over time.
Read more: Can TMJ Cause Swollen Lymph Nodes?
Consult Garza DDS to learn more about how many units of botox are for TMJ
If you are among the millions of people suffering from TMJ, know there is hope for improvement and quality of life. Botox injections have become an extremely popular treatment option in recent years, and Dr. Garza has helped countless patients find relief from their pain. Get in touch with our office today to learn more about how many units of botox for TMJ might be right for you. You can finally get the relief you need and deserve with proper treatment.