Are you suffering from TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder?) It can cause a myriad of symptoms including headache, neck ache, shoulder pain, jaw pain, painful chewing, and more. If you’re tired of waking up with a headache, having a stiff or painful jaw, or dealing with a pain in the neck–literally–you may want to visit your dentist and seek TMJ treatment, one of which may include Botox injections. Does your jaw need Botox?
Traditional TMJ Treatments
Traditional TMJ treatments are usually conservative, reversible treatments. That means that they do not involve surgery or invade the tissues of the jaw, joint, or face in any way. They are reversible because they are simply not permanent. Some traditional treatments include:
- Medications: Anti-anxiety meds, muscle relaxers, or antidepressant drugs may be prescribed to relieve stress. TMJ can be caused by stress if people clench or grind when experiencing stressful conditions.
- Night guard or splints: While night guards are worn at night to keep your teeth from touching and relieve pressure on your jaw joint, a splint can be worn all the time. Both are used to keep the teeth apart and relieve the pressure of clenching and grinding.
- Stretches and relaxation techniques: These are done to help relax and loosen up the jaw.
- Heat and cold packs: Taking turns applying heat and cold packs to relieve the effects of TMJ disorder.
Botox Injections
Botox is used to partially paralyze certain muscles, usually as a cosmetic treatment to relax wrinkles in the face. Since the FDA approved treatment, it is now being used to relieve the pain associated with TMJ disorders by partially paralyzing the muscles around the jawbone. Patients tend to experience a reduction in symptoms from bruxing and TMJ within three to five days of the injection. Botox treatment can be performed in as little as 30 minutes.
ABOUT YOUR KATY, TX DENTIST:
Dr. Colin Lathrop and the Lathrop Dental Center proudly serve patients and families from in and around Katy, Fulshear, Weston Lakes, Simonton, Richmond, Rosenberg, Brookshire, Wallis, Orchard, and all surrounding communities. If you’d like to schedule a dental appointment, you can reach our office in Katy, TX, by calling (832) 437-3849.
