Botox TMJ
Studies suggest that more than 10 million people suffer from TMJ (temporomandibular joint) jaw tension and pain in the United States. The condition can cause pain around the ear, headaches, tenderness or aching in the jaw, difficulty opening the mouth, and sensitive teeth. Factors such as teeth clenching/grinding (bruxism), stress, poor bite, jaw injury, and arthritis are the most common causes of TMJ syndrome.
As one of the top cosmetic surgeons in Virginia, Dr. Kyle Choe offers patients a cutting-edge treatment for TMJ that does not require surgery. Injecting Botox into afflicted facial muscles allows the jaw to relax, relieving pain and tension from TMJ. Botox is an extremely effective procedure and just one treatment from The Choe Center in Virginia Beach can improve TMJ symptoms for up to three full months.
Botox for TMJ at The Choe Center
Over the years Botox has found an increasing number of uses in the cosmetic field, from smoothing wrinkles to alleviating hyperhidrosis (excess sweating). Used as a successful, alternative treatment for TMJ, Dr. Choe can eliminate the headaches from teeth grinding and avoid more serious complications from the disorder, such as lockjaw.
The temporomandibular joint is located on the sides of the head, where the jaw meets the skull. This joint is used all day, making it possible to talk, eat, and swallow. When the joint is displaced or overworked, you can experience tension headaches and mild to severe pain in the jaw. Botulinum Toxin Type A, or Botox, is a muscle-paralyzing agent. Injected into the temporalis, frontalis, or masseter, Botox will cause these muscles to temporarily relax, eliminating jaw tension. Depending on the severity of TMJ symptoms, including headaches, additional areas may be included during treatment.
No surrounding areas are affected from the injections. With Botox TMJ jaw pain, there is no frozen or taut appearance. The injections are deep in the jaw muscles, so no one will ever know the injections took place.
Candidates for TMJ Treatment with Botox
If you have moderate jaw tension or TMJ, wear a mouth guard for grinding and clenching, or suffer from morning headaches, then Botox may be a safe and successful treatment. Prospective patients should be in generally good health and understand the Botox process. Realistic expectations are vital for a satisfactory procedure. Botox injection treatments should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation. Anyone considering treatment for TMJ with Botox should schedule a one-on-one consultation at The Choe Center.
TMJ Botox Consultation with Dr. Choe
Prior to scheduling Botox injections for TMJ, Dr. Choe will perform an in-person consultation to determine your eligibility. During this exam, he will carefully take your medical background and discuss current medications. Dr. Choe will then explain how Botox can improve TMJ symptoms, as well as review the benefits and limitations as it pertains to your unique situation. If Botox is determined to be the right procedure to improve your TMJ, a personalized treatment plan will be designed.
Botox TMJ Injections at The Choe Center
Dr. Choe performs his Botox injections in a private treatment room at his Virginia Beach office. Each procedure takes about 15-20 minutes. Although the injections are not considered painful, and no anesthesia is needed, Dr. Choe offers patients the option of a topical anesthetic cream to further increase comfort levels. Once the anesthetic has been applied, the Botox will be applied will to the predetermined areas of the jaw/face.
Recovery and Results From Botox For TMJ
There is no downtime required after Botox injections for TMJ, patients can return to work, school, and most normal activities right away. However, strenuous physical activity and exercise should be postponed for the next four hours. To avoid spreading the toxin to other muscles, it is vital that patients do not rub the treatment area for the first day. Remaining upright for several hours after treatment is also important, allowing the Botox to properly settle into the desired target muscles.
The benefits of Botox TMJ can be seen almost immediately. Over the following week, the results will continue to improve. Some patients also report a mild improvement of area wrinkles, as the jaw muscles relax, and the appearance starts to look less angry or tense. As the hypertrophic masseter muscle will relax, those with a wide jaw may notice a slight narrowing following the injections. In many cases, a mouth guard is no longer needed. In five to six months, as the benefits of the Botox injections wear off, a repeat treatment can maintain the results.
Potential Complications From Botox For TMJ
Botox treatment for TMJ disorder is considered a safe alternative to traditional therapies. While the side effects of treatment are mild, such as bruising, localized bleeding, and headaches, there are rare cases of more serious issues. These can include infection and excessive paralysis along the treated area.
Not all cosmetic surgeons have training in this revolutionary therapy, so it is important that patients choose a provider experienced using Botox to treat TMJ, like Dr. Choe, to ensure the safest treatment and best results.
Find out if Botox is right for your TMJ symptoms.
Dr. Kyle Choe has been providing the best in plastic surgery to the face and neck for more than ten years. Contact his Virginia Beach office at 757.389.5850 for more information on TMJ treatment. Our professional patient coordinators will answer your questions and assist in scheduling a consultation appointment.