
Mar
Do jaw problems keep you up at night or result in head, jaw, or facial pain in the morning? You could be suffering from a jaw disorder called TMJ. TMJ is a dysfunction of your temporomandibular joints, which help control jaw movements. Jaw pain, muscle tenderness, chronic headaches, and restricted jaw mobility are just a few of the symptoms of this condition. At Crossroads Dental in Longmont, CO, Dr. Amy Farmer offers Botox injections for TMJ pain relief.
These FAQs explain more about Botox for TMJ treatment:
Botox is a botulinum toxin that temporarily relaxes your muscles to help reduce tension and pain. For TMJ, Botox is injected into the muscles around your jaw to keep them from contracting. This eases the symptoms of TMJ and allows you to move your jaw more freely without discomfort and pain.
Most adults are good candidates for this treatment. A consultation with Dr. Farmer will determine if Botox injections are right for you. Botox isn’t recommended for pregnant and nursing mothers, but we can guide you to alternate solutions for your condition.
The effects of Botox can typically last 3-6 months. To continue receiving the full benefits of Botox for TMJ, you’ll need to schedule ongoing injections. Dr. Farmer will monitor your treatments to ensure they’re as effective as they can be.
The most common side effects are slight swelling and/or bruising at the injection site. Some people experience muscle tenderness and soreness for a few days after their treatment. These side effects generally subside on their own within a day or two of your injection.
Do eat soft food for a day or two to avoid stressing your jaw and stay hydrated to improve muscle function and ease soreness. Do keep all follow-up appointments with your Longmont, CO dental team.  Â
Don’t rub or massage the injection site or lie down for several hours after your injections. Avoid vigorous exercise, direct sunlight, and other heat sources (sauna, hot tub, etc.) for 24–48 hours after your treatment. Avoid excess alcohol use.
Botox is a nonsurgical TMJ treatment that requires no cutting, suturing, or anesthesia. The injections can be given safely and quickly at our dental office. You’ll notice an improvement in TMJ symptoms within a few days, although full muscle relaxation will take several weeks. Botox requires no downtime for recovery, enabling you to return to your normal activities without delay. Botox provides pain relief for months, allowing you to live a higher quality of life.
Crossroads Dental is your one-stop shop for Botox for TMJ in the Longmont, CO area. To schedule a consultation, contact Dr. Amy Farmer at (970) 703-8556.