The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a sliding hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull allowing you to move your jaw up and down and side to side. TMJ disorders can cause pain in your facial muscles and jaw joints.

One of the effective alternative treatments for TMJ disorders is Botox injections. You do not need to suffer soreness and discomfort from jaw tension and pain. Botox has proven to be quite effective in helping to relieve TMJ and jaw tension through an injection into your facial muscles.

What is TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint is used every day for regular activities like talking and eating and swallowing. The joint is located on both sides of the head where the jawbone meets the skull. If the joint is displaced or you grind your teeth too much, you can suffer severe sharp pains in the jaw that can lead to unbearable headaches and other pain.

What is Botox?

Botox is a neurotoxin derived from Clostridium botulinum, a naturally occurring neuromodulator that has been a mainstay for cosmetic treatments and has been expanded in use to address TMJ. During TMJ treatment Los Angeles doctors and specialists at LAENT believe in a “less-is-more” approach to your facial freezing.

Effectiveness of Botox in treating TMJ

Many of our Los Angeles tmj treatment patients have told us that they see a noticeable improvement within a couple of days of their first treatment. It can take up to a week to feel maximum relief.

As administered by one of our board-certified providers, Botox is a non-surgical option for relief from TMJ and jaw tension by freezing the muscles and causing them to relax and relieve the tension.

What is the procedure for TMJ treatment?

Your TMJ treatment usually takes between 10 to 30 minutes depending on the number of injections you will need as determined by one of our specialists. Pain associated with this treatment is short and minimal with many patients comparing it to a bug bite or prickly sensation. For comfort, we offer numbing cream to reduce pain from the injections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a Candidate for Botox?

If you are experiencing problems associated with TMJ or suffering from headaches, you are a good candidate for a Botox treatment. You should be in good physical health and looking for a non-surgical and short to a long-term solution. This type of treatment should be avoided for pregnant or nursing women.

Where is Botox used for TMJ therapy?

The Botulinum Toxins are injected mainly in the temporalis, frontalis, and masseter areas. Additional sites can be chosen for injections depending on the severity of your headaches. These treatments do not affect any other areas of your body. Only the areas injected with Botox is “released” as far as tension and getting pain relief.

What is the recovery for a TMJ Botox treatment?

Being a non-surgical and non-invasive procedure means our Los Angeles Botox for TMJ patients can return to their normal activities immediately afterward. You should avoid rubbing or massaging the area injected with Botox and not spread the toxins to other muscles.

There may be some mild bruising, numbness, or redness around the injection sites that goes away within a day or two. If you experience any muscle tenderness, it begins to lessen soon after your TMJ treatment. You should see wrinkles start to disappear within 24-48 hours after the injections, although it may take up to a week to vanish.

Consultation for TMJ treatment in Los Angeles

Call us to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists to discuss your specific situation and receive a proper examination. We will help you decide if TMJ treatment is right for you and how it can benefit you. If you are concerned about TMJ and are seeking TMJ treatment Los Angeles patients are encouraged to contact LAENT today to make an appointment and get relief from pain.