Does Botox Freeze My Face? Answers to 5 Commonly Asked Questions About Botox for TMJ Pain

Down with chronic jaw pain and headaches? Do you experience painful chewing or difficulty opening and closing your mouth? The cause could be temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Fortunately, Mid-Valley Dental Care can treat TMJ pain with non-surgical Botox treatments. If you suspect TMJ pain, visit our office in Northridge, California, and experience the therapeutic benefits of Botox. 

FAQs about Botox treatment

Living with TMJ pain can affect your quality of life. While nightguards and lifestyle changes can treat TMJ pain, Botox therapy addresses the root cause of the pain. However, because Botox is known for cosmetics, many patients have questions about its use for TMJ issues.

To help you understand this innovative solution, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about Botox for TMJ pain. Still, if you don’t find what you are looking for, don’t hesitate to call our team for more information. 

1. How does Botox work?

One of the primary causes of TMJ pain is overactive jaw muscles. Botox works by injecting the product into these muscles, reducing excessive contraction. Botox doesn’t affect the muscles directly. Instead, it blocks nerve signals that control muscle contraction. Reduced muscle activity eases the strain on the jaw joints, reducing tension and pain over time. 

2. What should I expect with Botox treatment?

Botox treatment is a quick procedure that takes about 20-30 minutes. After identifying the target muscles, the dentist injects the Botox product with a thin needle. Patients only feel a slight pinch during treatment. 

You’ll experience little to no side effects after treatment. Mild redness, bruising, and swelling at the injection sites are possible but fade away within a day or two. Relief can be experienced after two days, but the maximum effects occur after 7-10 days. 

3. Does Botox “freeze” my face?

This is a common misconception about Botox. To set the record straight, Botox temporarily relaxes your facial muscles, not freezes them. As a natural neuromodulator, Botox attaches itself to the nerve endings. This inhibits the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which triggers muscle contractions. So, Botox temporarily relaxes the overactive muscles, but you’ll still smile and talk naturally. 

4. How long do the results last?

Botox is not a permanent solution—your body naturally metabolizes the product over time. Typically, relief from TMJ symptoms lasts 3-4 months, although this can vary from person to person. As the effects gradually wear off, muscle activity in the jaw may return, and symptoms can reappear. 

To maintain consistent relief, patients should schedule follow-up treatments every few months. The good news is that with regular treatments, you’ll notice that your jaw muscles “retrain” to relax more easily over time, requiring fewer sessions in the future.

5. Is Botox safe?

Botox can have disastrous outcomes in the hands of amateurs. However, it is safe when administered by trained personnel. Our dentist is trained and experienced in administering the right dosage to optimize your safety and outcomes. 

TMJ pain treatment near me in Northridge, CA

Don’t let TMJ pain diminish your quality of life. Visit Mid-Valley Dental Care and discover how non-surgical Botox treatment can provide relief. Call (818) 886-3500 and reserve an appointment with Drs. Terence, Kayla, and Casey Lau.

Share this Article