In many cases, the indications and symptoms of a TMJ issue can be alleviated via self-care. However, patients should seek medical therapy for TMJ if they experience persistent jaw discomfort and tenderness or if they are unable to close their jaw entirely. A temporomandibular joint injection may be a suitable therapy option if a TMJ treatment is required.
In a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) injection, a corticosteroid is injected into the afflicted jaw joint. Chewing, speaking, or yawning can cause inflammation and pain in the temporomandibular joint. This procedure can also benefit patients with chronic jaw pain.
TMJ injections include lidocaine, steroids, hyaluronate, and botox. Treatment is recommended when pain persists after home-based methods.
TMJ Disorders and Neuromuscular Dentistry
One of the areas often affected by myofascial pain syndrome characterized by taut bands or trigger points in muscles is referred to as a pain in the temporomandibular joints. These joints work like hinges, allowing your jaws to move up and down easily, side to side, and back and forth. Every hour of every day, these tiny but vital joints experience great stress and wear and tear as we eat, drink, speak, and yawn. Symptoms can also manifest as muscle spasms, frequent headaches, jaw tension, painful clicking, and joint locking.
This constant movement and wear can lead to a painful muscle and joint disorder clinically known as a temporomandibular joint disorder – TMD or TMJ for short. While you may not have even heard about it, this affliction affects as many as 10 million Americans.
What is a Temporomandibular Joint Injection
A TMJ treatment option is created for those who do not experience pain relief from self-care. A temporomandibular joint injection is a local anesthetic or corticosteroid intra-articular injection. The corticosteroid suppresses the immune system, resulting in a reduction in inflammation and pain.
In the first 24 to several days following a temporomandibular joint injection, many patients report experiencing decreased pain. Following this TMJ therapy, patients may also enjoy reduced discomfort for a period of weeks to months. Although corticosteroids have few serious side effects, they should not be administered for an extended period in most cases.
How Do Injections for TMJ Work
TMJ injections are performed with corticosteroid and anesthetic to produce a two-fold effect: one reduces inflammation with the corticosteroid (triamcinolone acetonide), and two produce anesthesia or pain relief using lidocaine 2% without epinephrine. Corticosteroid is best used when swelling and pain are secondary to trauma, acute OA flare-ups, and DDNR cases.
According to the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at USC, a tiny needle is placed into the trigger point, and a local anesthetic (0.5 cc of 0.5% or 1% lidocaine) is administered. This injection deactivates the trigger point, resulting in pain relief. Anesthetic-induced numbness may persist for up to an hour, and bruising at the injection site is uncommon but possible.
A couple of days of alternating wet heat and ice can alleviate pain. After TP injections, stretching exercises are always conducted. If redness or swelling develops, the patient should contact the physician. When a trigger point injection is administered to a muscle near the ribcage, there is a danger of puncturing a lung or the membrane that covers the lung (called the pleura).
Does Botox Work for TMJ?
Most people recognize the more familiar BOTOX® brand name for Botulinum toxin injection.
Botox injections may provide the necessary relief if you have not reacted to previous treatment techniques or do not wish to undergo an intrusive operation. Injections of Botox have been demonstrated to be a generally safe and effective treatment for TMJ issues.
Botox may also produce a ” fixed ” smile for six to eight weeks. Botox’s paralyzing impact on muscles generates this adverse effect.
There have also been reports of additional Botox-related adverse effects. Typically, they emerge within the first week of treatment and consist of bruising at the injection site.
What are Steroid Injections for TMJ?
A TMJ joint injection is not the first approach for joint pain and swelling because it is logical first to try NSAIDs for a couple of weeks.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants, along with physical therapy, oral splints, or mouthguard, are examples of conservative therapy or alternative treatments.
Nonetheless, if this medication or self-treatment strategy fails to produce an improvement within two weeks, a local anesthetic/corticosteroid-assisted mobilization of the TM joint should be attempted.
This procedure can be conducted during an outpatient office visit when an anesthetic and steroid injection is delivered to the joint, the jaw is manually mobilized (gently stretched open) to promote mobility, or the patient is instructed in home-based stretching exercises.
On occasion, intra-articular injections are utilized for diagnostic and therapeutic objectives in treating TM Joint pain. The primary indication for this surgery is joint capsule hypersensitivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do TMJ injections last?
Botulinum toxin A injections for TMJ will last around three to four months. The injections work by paralyzing the muscles causing pain and inflammation, which will reduce the symptoms. The results usually last for around 3-4 months, but this can vary depending on the individual. If the injections are effective and you experience relief from your symptoms, you will likely want to repeat them after a few months.
How many injections do you need for TMJ?
If you’re living with TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain, you may wonder how many injections you’ll need to find relief. According to most experts, expect to have at least three injection sessions spread out over several months.
These injections typically use a local anesthetic and/or steroid medication and are meant to help reduce inflammation and pain in the TMJ area. For some people, a single injection session may be all that’s needed to find significant relief. Others may need two or three sessions before noticing a difference.
Read more: How Does a TMJ Appliance Work?
Consult with Garza DDS to learn more about injections for TMJ
If you are considering TMJ injections, it is important to consult with a qualified medical professional who has experience treating this condition. Dr. Garza is an experienced dentist who can help you determine if TMJ injection treatments are right for you. To learn more about injections for TMJ, please contact our office today.