Used for years in the medical field, Botox® has become a common dental treatment to alleviate headaches and the painful symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Botox has primarily been a part of the cosmetic surgery field and is the most widely used treatment in the world to treat wrinkles. The list of its medically therapeutic uses is as long as its history, with an increasing number of dental applications added to its list.
At Walnut Pond, doctors Carson Ferris-Zeolla and Victoria Uryniak can use Botox to treat headaches and TMJ disorder for patients in the Annandale and Clinton, NJ areas. Schedule a consultation today by calling 908-200-7007 or contact us online here.
What is TMJ disorder?
The temporomandibular joint – or the TMJ – connects the lower jaw to the rest of the skull, just in front of each ear. This joint allows for the up and down and side-to-side motions of your jaw, so you can chew, talk, swallow, and yawn with ease. When this joint and the surrounding muscles and ligaments are injured through trauma, arthritis, or stress, it will lead to severe pain and discomfort known as TMJ disorder.
A patient suffering from TMJ disorder may have symptoms that are temporary or chronic. It may be challenging to open your mouth wide, or you may find that your jaw is in a stuck or locked position on occasion. The area may be swollen, tender, and painful. Patients may also experience headaches, neck aches, shoulder pain, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
Other symptoms may include one or more of the following:
- A gravel-like sound in the jaw joints
- Back pain
- Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
- Dizziness (vertigo)
- Misaligned bite
- Pain in the temples
- Pain that spreads to the face, jaw, or neck from one or both TMJ
- Severe pain in or around the ears
- Stiff jaw muscles
- Tension headaches
Botox Treatment for Headaches and TMJ Disorder
Over the years, adults seeking Botox injections for wrinkles listed symptoms as pain relief from headaches and relaxed facial muscles. As a result, medical professionals began to study the use of Botox to treat headaches and realized the significance of its impact on muscular conditions as well. Soon, Botox was offered to patients as a dental treatment option to relieve pain, tension, and swelling from headaches and TMJ disorder.
Botox blocks all signals from the nerves to the muscles near the injection site. When the muscle is injected, it can no longer contract, and the muscles begin to soften. Botox blocks the chemicals carrying pain signals from your brain to the affected nerve endings. As the facial muscles begin to relax, tension and pain in the surrounding areas are relieved.
Botox has become a safe and effective alternative to traditional forms of TMJ treatment and associated conditions. This non-surgical treatment can be performed in the comfort of the dentist’s office.
Contact Us Today
Schedule your consultation to determine if Botox for headaches and TMJ disorder is a fit for you. During your visit, our dentists will thoroughly review your medical history before beginning treatment. As always, our team members are available to answer any questions you may have. Walnut Pond is in Annandale, NJ yet conveniently located near the Clinton, NJ area. Call us today at 908-200-7007 or visit us online here.
