TMJ stands for a temporomandibular joint disorder, which can be caused when too much strain is placed on the jaw joints and the muscle group that controls chewing, swallowing and speech. Involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth can lead to strain and injury to your jaw, head or neck and can also lead to TMJ.
How Do Dentists Treat TMJ?
If you struggle with this disorder, you may be surprised to know that Botox can be used for TMJ treatment. If you are wondering whether or not Botox can actually provide you with relief from the pain and discomfort of TMJ, you will be happy to know that this treatment is effective, so you can turn to this option for help. Botox is derived from the neurotoxin botulinum and is very safe when injected into the face and other parts of your body. Treatments must be done by reputable doctors and dentists, and each injection will block certain nerve signals to the facial muscles and will paralyze them selectively. For this reason, Botox is used for cosmetic treatments because it can smooth out wrinkles and eliminate fine lines in your face by helping your muscles relax.
How Does Botox Work?
When it comes to treating TMJ, Botox works the same way as it does for treating fine lines and wrinkles. Treatments are injected into the patient’s muscles in their face to paralyze and relax them, and this will allow your TMJ to heal. Botox is especially effective for those who are experiencing TMJ as a result of teeth grinding and clenching and is actually the most common treatment for patients with bruxism-induced TMJ. This is because it can be injected into the masseter muscle, which will relax, and this will then help prevent grinding and will encourage the healing of the TMJ and other joints in the face. There are different injection sites that can be chosen for Botox, and this will depend on your case of TMJ and the severity of your pain.
Consult Your Dentist
You will need to discuss the symptoms of your TMJ with your dentist and will have to complete an oral and facial exam. During your consultation, your dentist will create a Botox treatment for your TMJ, which will be customized specifically for you. They will decide the best spots for your Botox injections and will choose sites that are most effective. A needle will then be used to inject small amounts of Botox into these areas, and it can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks for you to start noticing results. This time frame will depend on the location and size of the muscles paralyzed with Botox. Generally, treatments will last between three to five months, and you will have to visit your dentist for a follow-up.
Botox is very safe for TMJ treatments if administered by a professional, and this is something you can discuss with the experts at Dentistry in Newmarket. Whether you are looking for a family dentist or want more information regarding Botox, we can help, so contact us today!
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