You've tried the nightguard. Maybe you've done physical therapy, changed your diet to softer foods, and taken more ibuprofen than you'd like to admit. But that persistent jaw pain and those tension headaches keep coming back.
If traditional TMJ treatments haven't given you the relief you need, BOTOX® treatments in Northborough, MA, offer a different approach that targets the problem at its source.
How BOTOX Works for TMJ and Jaw Pain
BOTOX isn't just for cosmetic purposes. It's an FDA-approved treatment that temporarily relaxes overactive muscles. If you have TMJ disorder, your masseter and temporalis muscles, which control jaw movement, can stay chronically tense. This tension leads to pain, headaches, and difficulty moving your jaw.
When BOTOX is strategically injected into these muscles, it blocks the signals that cause excessive clenching and tension. You can still move your jaw normally for eating and speaking, but the involuntary clenching that causes your pain is significantly reduced.
Why BOTOX When Other Treatments Haven't Worked?
Nightguards protect your teeth from grinding damage, but don't stop the muscle tension causing your pain. Physical therapy and lifestyle changes help some patients, but may not be enough for severe cases. BOTOX provides relief by addressing muscle hyperactivity that these conservative treatments can't. This approach is especially effective if you clench throughout the day, not just at night, or if you experience severe muscle tension despite other treatments.
What to Expect During BOTOX Treatment
BOTOX for jaw pain and TMJ relief is a quick in-office procedure. Your dentist uses a fine needle to inject small amounts of BOTOX into the targeted jaw muscles. Most patients describe the sensation as a slight pinch. The entire appointment typically takes 10 to 15 minutes, and you can return to normal activities immediately.
You'll begin to experience relief within a few days and full effects within two weeks. The results of BOTOX for TMJ pain typically provide significant relief for three to four months before you need follow-up treatment.
Is BOTOX Right for Your TMJ?
BOTOX works best for those whose TMJ pain is related to muscle tension rather than structural jaw problems. During your consultation at Northborough Family Dental, your dentist will evaluate your symptoms, examine your jaw, and determine whether BOTOX treatment is appropriate for your specific situation.
Ready to find relief from chronic jaw pain? Contact Northborough Family Dental today to schedule your consultation and discover if BOTOX for TMJ is right for you.