Signs of TMJ
BOTOX to treat jaw clenching and TMJ disorder can help if you have one or more of these symptoms:
- Wear patterns or cracking of the teeth
- Difficulty opening your jaw fully
- A jaw that sometimes “locks” open or closed
- Clicking or popping of the jaw when chewing or speaking
- Pain and tenderness in your jaw muscles
- Enlargement of the jaw muscles near the rear of your jawbone
- Regular headaches or earaches
Treating Jaw Clenching on Your Own
For some TMJ dysfunction patients, at-home treatments may help reduce or eliminate some symptoms. Heat or ice packs, taking NSAIDs, wearing a mouthpiece at night, and even learning jaw relaxation techniques can help. But for many, these more conservative treatments do not sufficiently address the problem.
More about the Treatment with BOTOX
Of the non-surgical options available to treat TMJ dysfunction, BOTOX is one of the most trusted treatments available. While TMJ surgery may be the most effective, permanent solution to correct jaw clenching, BOTOX can provide considerable relief and help improve the range of motion in your jaw.
During treatment, Dr. West will inject BOTOX into the masseter muscle, the primary muscle that controls the movement of the temporomandibular joint. Typically, 30 to 80 units of BOTOX (split between both sides of the jaw). Results can last 3 to 5 months, and many people can break the feedback cycle to clench the jaw after 2 to 3 treatments. Other patients will need ongoing injections to keep their symptoms to a minimum.
Choosing a BOTOX Provider
If considering trying BOTOX to treat TMJ dysfunction, choosing a provider with experience injecting in the head and neck is an important factor.
Dr. West has extensive experience using BOTOX to treat chronic jaw clenching, known as lockjaw or TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. This effective treatment provides pain relief while restoring function in the jaw without surgery.
A skilled injector will ensure the injection targets the muscle properly (it’s a deep muscle) but also know how to avoid structures like the parotid gland and the facial nerve. Inadvertently injecting the parotid gland can decrease saliva production.
If you want a lasting treatment for jaw pain without surgery, call our Ann Arbor office at 734-971-0262 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with Dr. West.
Author: Dr. Jessica West
Dr. Jessica West is the Medical Director for the Michigan Center for Cosmetic Services in Ann Arbor. Dr. West is double board certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and by the American Board of Otolaryngology & Facial Plastic Surgery. She is known for her superior aesthetic results, strong attention to detail, artistic eye, and honest expert opinion in regards to both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
