Botox® is an FDA-approved injectable treatment for TMJ pain, headaches and migraines. At our dental centre in South Ottawa, we offer Botox® treatments for men and women who suffer from these conditions. Botox® is an FDA-approved injectable treatment that is clinically proven to temporarily relax facial muscles.
What is TMJ Pain?
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, connects your lower jaw to your skull. Disorders that affect the joint can cause several types of symptoms, such as jaw pain, headaches and migraines. TMJ pain may be caused by:
• Damage to the disc that works as a cushion within the joint
• Trauma and other types of injuries to the joint
• Cartilage erosion that is caused by arthritis
• Muscle strain and tension that is caused by stress, teeth grinding and clenching the teeth
Botox® is clinically proven to help with TMJ and other pain disorders. The injections contain an ingredient that temporarily relaxes the muscles that are connected to the temporomandibular joint and lower jaw.
How Does Botox® Help with TMJ Pain, Migraines and Headaches?
TMJ pain, migraines and headaches have been linked to tension in the masseter muscle. This is a relatively large muscle that starts under the lower jaw bone, extends over the upper and lower jaw and ends under the cheek bone. Tension in the masseter muscle is known to cause TMJ pain, headaches, and migraines. Administering Botox® into the muscle relaxes it and decreases the amount of tension that the muscle places on the temporomandibular joint.
Benefits of Botox® for TMJ Pain, Headaches and Migraines
Using Botox® to treat TMJ pain, headaches, and migraines offers many benefits to our patients, such as:
• No surgery required
• Long-lasting results
• May reduce need for pain medications
• Reduces likelihood of damaging the temporomandibular joint
Candidates for Treating TMJ Disorders with Botox®
Disorders of the temporomandibular joint are complex, and each case is unique in the underlying cause of the pain and discomfort. As such, treating TMJ-related pain requires a comprehensive evaluation of jaw function, as well as diagnostic tests to provide an accurate diagnosis. The best candidates for Botox® treatments are those who have TMJ pain due to:
• Grinding and/or clenching the teeth
• Tension in the muscles that may limit the ability to open and close the mouth
The treatment is not recommended for patients who have certain neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s diseases, multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not have Botox® treatments. If you have damage to your temporomandibular joint, you may need treatments in addition to Botox® to preserve the integrity of the joint.
Why We Recommend Botox® for Treating TMJ Pain, Headaches, and Migraines
Some traditional therapies for treating TMJ pain include:
• Pain medications
• Mouth guards
• Physical therapy
• Surgery
Each of these treatment options offers some symptom of relief yet may not represent a comprehensive solution. Medications and mouth guards may alleviate discomfort and reduce the damage caused by grinding and clenching the teeth. Physical therapy aims to strengthen muscles and release tension while surgery repairs any damage to the joint. Using Botox® to relax the jaw muscles enhances outcomes of these options and may result in an individual using the jaw muscles more appropriately. As such, Botox® may be recommended as a complementary or alternative therapy to these options. We will explain the best treatment approach for your specific needs during a consultation.
Home Therapies for TMJ Pain, Headaches and Migraines
Home therapies are shown to improve outcomes for patients who are undergoing clinical treatments for TMJ-related pain. We recommend:
• Changes to eating habits, such as cutting food into smaller pieces, avoiding sticky foods, and eating small foods to reduce overuse of the jaw muscles
• Using heat and cold therapy to relax the jaw muscles
Contact Our Dental Centre in South Ottawa to Learn More
If you experience symptoms of TMJ pain, chronic headaches and migraines, visit the Upper Hunt Dental Centre in South Ottawa to schedule an appointment. We offer comprehensive diagnostic services to identify the reason that you are having pain, and we offer Botox® injections and treatment therapies for long-term pain relief. Contact us today to book an appointment, it is important to have a consultation to understand if this treatment is right for you.
