TMJ Relief with Botox®: What to Expect from Treatment

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, from jaw pain and headaches to difficulty chewing or even causing your jaw to lock open or closed. These issues can stem from muscle tension or overuse and habits like teeth grinding or jaw clenching.

While traditional treatments such as mouthguards or physical therapy can help, more patients are turning to a surprising solution we offer at Goodman Dental Center: Botox®. Brian Goodman, DDS, and Tanner Goodman, DMD, our expert dental team, have expertise in treating TMJ disorders with Botox, giving patients much-needed relief.

How Botox helps with TMJ disorders

Botox, commonly known for its cosmetic uses, interferes with nerve signals that tell muscles to contract, instead causing them to relax. In the case of TMJ dysfunction, your dental professional injects Botox directly into the jaw muscles responsible for clenching and grinding, typically the masseter and temporalis muscles.

The treatment partially relaxes your overactive muscles, helping reduce jaw tension, pain, and associated symptoms like headaches or facial soreness.

What you can expect during treatment

Botox treatment for TMJ is a quick procedure, typically lasting no more than 15–30 minutes. We first evaluate your jaw function and determine where you need the injections. Using a fine needle, your dentist injects Botox into the targeted muscles. Most patients describe the process as only mildly uncomfortable, with little-to-no downtime afterward.

There’s no need for anesthesia, and you can usually return to your daily routine immediately. You may experience minor swelling or bruising at the injection sites, but these effects are temporary.

When you should feel relief

While Botox isn’t an instant fix, you should notice a reduction in jaw tension and pain within 3–5 days after treatment. Full effects typically appear around two weeks post-injection. Results can last 3-6 months, at which point you may choose to repeat the treatment to maintain relief.

Benefits of using Botox for TMJ

Botox offers several advantages for TMJ treatment, including:

Minimally invasive
Doesn’t require surgery
No recovery time
Effectively targets the muscles causing discomfort
Reduces the frequency and severity of tension headaches related to jaw strain

If you haven’t found success with other therapies, Botox may provide the relief you’ve been looking for.

How to know if Botox is right for you

If you’re struggling with TMJ symptoms that interfere with your daily life, Botox could be a safe and effective option. Talk to our dental experts at Goodman Dental Center to determine if this treatment fits your needs. With regular care, Botox can be part of a long-term solution for managing TMJ pain.

Book an appointment with our dental team in Queen Creek, Arizona, by clicking here today.