19
Sep
Five Things You Need to Know About Botox Injections for Jaw Pain
Persistent headaches and jaw pain can significantly impact your quality of life, affecting your ability to work, socialize, and engage in physical activities. Unfortunately, patients with TMJ pain have to endure this burden daily. Living with TMJ disorder can affect both your physical and emotional well-being, leading to frustration and hopelessness.
Good news! If you have been grappling with TMJ pain and have been reduced to popping pain medications, help is on the way. Mid-Valley Dental Care offers Botox injections to relieve TMJ pain. Don’t let head and jaw pain prevent you from living your best life. Schedule an appointment with Drs. Terence, Casey, and Kayla Lau as the first step towards a painless lifestyle.
What is TMJ pain?
We all have two hinge-like joints (temporomandibular joints) on both sides of the face. You can feel your TMJs by placing your fingers gently in front of your ears. You should feel the joints move slightly under your fingers as you open and close your mouth. The TMJs connect the lower jaw to the skull and enable the jaw to move in almost every direction when swallowing, chewing, yawning, talking, etc.
TMJs are crucial to your jaw function. However, when they become injured or misaligned by dental trauma, teeth grinding, or inflammation, this leads to TMJ disorder (TMD). TMJ pain causes several symptoms, including:
- Jaw pain or soreness
- Tension headaches
- Locked jaws
- Difficulty or pain when chewing
- Clicking sounds when opening or closing your jaws
- Limited jaw movement
- Earaches or ringing in the ears
- Pain in the face, upper back, or shoulders
How does Botox help with TMJ pain?
Botox is a purified protein that temporarily relaxes muscles by blocking nerve signals. For TMJ pain, Botox is injected into the muscles around the jaw and temples, helping to relieve tension. Botox reduces the pain caused by teeth grinding, jaw clenching, or muscle spasms associated with TMJ disorders.
What can I expect from Botox treatment?
Botox is known as the “lunchtime treatment” because it takes about twenty-thirty minutes. Before the treatment, the doctor applies a numbing cream to your face to ensure a painless experience. Then, we’ll gently inject the Botox product into the target muscles in the jaw. Expect mild side effects after Botox treatment. Many patients experience swelling, redness, and bruising at the injection sites, but that’s about it.
Botox typically starts working within three to seven days after the injection. However, optimal results are noticeable within two weeks. You’ll experience significant relief from TMJ pain, tension, and discomfort.
Is Botox for TMJ pain safe?
Yes, Botox is FDA-approved for various medical and cosmetic uses, including the treatment of TMJ disorders. When administered by a trained healthcare professional, Botox injections are generally safe and effective for managing TMJ-related pain.
How long does Botox last for TMJ pain?
Botox isn’t permanent. Over time, the body metabolizes Botox within 3-6 months. After that, additional treatments may be needed to maintain the benefits.
Will Botox injections affect my ability to move my jaw or speak?
There is a popular misconception that Botox “freezes” your face. However, Botox injections only target the overactive jaw muscles responsible for teeth grinding and clenching. Botox doesn’t affect the ability to move your jaw or speak when administered expertly. The goal is to relieve pain and tension without compromising normal jaw function.
Am I a good candidate for Botox treatment?
You may be a good candidate for Botox injections if you experience chronic jaw pain, headaches, or muscle stiffness related to TMJ disorders. You need a consultation with a trained Botox dentist to establish your eligibility. If you are in Northridge, California, call (818) 886-3500 to schedule an appointment with Mid-Valley Dental Care.
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Terence Lau, DDS, FICOI, FAACP
With more than three decades of education and experience, Dr Terence Lau is a leader in his field. With a Bachelor’s degree in Cell-Molecular Biology from CSUN, he earned his DDS from USC School of Dentistry and received specialized Periodontal Prosthodontics training under experts and pioneers in the field at the University of Washington. He focuses especially on minimally invasive Bio-Aesthetic Implant Surgery, advanced laser dentistry, and more. Dr. Lau is a member of the AGD, ICOI, AO, ACOI, ASO, AAID, AADSM, DOCS, AAFO, and AACFP, and is a nationally recognized lecturer and founder of Bio-Aesthetic Implant and Laser Solutions.
Casey Lau, DDS
Dr. Casey Lau has over 10 years of experience in comprehensive dental care, with an emphasis on minimally invasive bioesthetic dentistry. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and his DDS from UCLA. Dr. Lau specializes in occlusion, orthodontics, cosmetic enhancements, and laser dentistry, with expertise in implantology, clear aligner therapy, oral sedation, and much more. He is a member of the AGD, ICOI, AO, ADA, CDA, DOCS, IAO, and AACA. Along with his wife, Dr. Lau co-founded Elims Oral Care, offering eco-conscious oral care products.
Kayla Lau, DDS, RDH
Dr. Kayla Lau started out as a dental hygienist before she earned her DDS from the renowned USC School of Dentistry. Specializing in restorative and aesthetic dentistry, she is highly skilled in using neuromodulators like Botox and dermal fillers to improve orofacial pain relief and facial aesthetics. Dr. Lau is passionate about Biomimetic Restorative Dentistry, having trained with pioneers in the field. She is an active member of the AGD, ADA, CDA, SFVDS, ABD, and IAAFA, committed to enhancing smiles and overall oral health.