Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, is a painful condition that affects the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. This disorder causes significant pain in the jaw, face, and neck, and simple tasks such as chewing and talking can become difficult.
If you suffer from TMJ, one method that has become increasingly popular to treat TMJ pain is Botox® or Juvederm®. These popular and low-risk injectable treatments are often used for cosmetic purposes, but when used for TMJ, Botox and Juvederm® treatments can effectively reduce muscle tension caused by TMJ and alleviate pain.
But you may be wondering how long Botox lasts as a treatment and if there are any additional benefits or drawbacks to this treatment approach.
What Is Botox?
Botox is a neurotoxin that temporarily paralyzes muscles by blocking nerve singles from the brain. When those signals are blocked, the muscles relax. When Botox is injected into the jaw muscles, it can reduce the muscle tension that is the leading cause of pain associated with TMJ. One study found that symptoms in patients treated with Botox injections improved by an average of 90 percent. This treatment method allows the muscles to disengage and reduce spasms and tension.
Botox injections are minimally invasive, take only a few minutes, and can be performed right in our office, with no significant downtime needed to recover. And the results can last for several months.
How Does Botox Help With TMJ?
Botox is injected into the jaw muscles that control jaw movement to help relax them, primarily in the frontalis, temporalis, and masseter muscles. Relaxing these muscles reduces the force on the jaw joint, alleviating pain and discomfort. The most common muscle injections are placed in the masseter muscle, which runs from the cheekbone to the lower jaw.
How Long Does Botox for TMJ Last?
The effects of Botox for TMJ will be felt almost immediately, and once the mild swelling goes down, you’ll likely notice a significant improvement in how your jaw feels and functions. Most patients experience relief from their TMJ symptoms for three to six months after the injections. However, the duration of its effects can vary from person to person depending on several factors, such as age, TMJ severity, amount of Botox injected, etc.
Some patients are satisfied with their initial injection. However, patients may need multiple injections over time to maintain the relief in their TMJ symptoms.
Juvederm® for TMJ
Juvederm® is a specific type of dermal filler typically used for cosmetic purposes but can also be effective as a treatment for TMJ. This treatment adds volume and cushioning to the joint, which reduces pressure on the joint, thus decreasing inflammation and pain.
The effects of Juvederm® for TMJ pain can last up to a year, but some patients may need multiple injections over time to maintain relief from their symptoms.
If you live in or around the Susquehanna Valley or Lewisburg and have been searching for someone to help bring more relief to your TMJ symptoms, call us for easy, accessible Botox® or Juvederm® treatments. Our office is located in the heart of downtown and is always accepting new patients, whatever your needs may be. So call us today to see how we can help!