If you are dealing with chronic jaw pain, popping, or clicking, you may be suffering from a painful condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Dr. Rick Dentistry is pleased to offer Botox treatment for TMD, a minimally invasive procedure with lasting relief. A consultation with Dr. Rick will get you on track to a pain-free, functional smile.

What Is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)?

Your temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are the two joints connecting your lower jaw to your skull, located right in front of your ears. Your TMJs help you move your jaw forward and backward, up and down, and side to side so you can chew, talk, yawn, and swallow with ease. The TMJs are complex joints that are used all the time, leaving them vulnerable to wear and tear, damage, swelling, and other problems.

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is any disorder that affects the bone, muscle, or tissues in and around your TMJs. TMD can cause chronic, debilitating pain, making everyday actions such as speaking, chewing, or even smiling quite the challenge.

What Are the Symptoms of TMD? 

The most common TMD symptoms include jaw discomfort, headaches, and pain behind the eyes, in the face, temples, shoulders, neck, or back. Some patients experience pain or ringing in the ears, a condition known as tinnitus. TMD can also lead to clicking or popping of the jaw, locking of the jaw, swelling of the face, teeth grinding and clenching, limited mouth motion, and changes in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together.

How Can Botox Help with TMD?

According to the American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE), Botox’s main ingredient is purified protein. It is a highly effective solution for patients suffering from TMJ disorder while the underlying causes are being addressed. When injected into strategic locations of the jaw, the neurotoxin relaxes your muscles, relieving the TMJ pain and stiffness with dramatic, lasting results.

What Can You Expect?

Botox treatment for TMJ disorder is quick and highly effective, usually taking 10-30 minutes to complete. The procedure comes with minimal to no discomfort or downtime, meaning you can resume your daily activities after treatment.

In many cases, Botox injections provide relief after just one session. However, some patients require two or more treatments, depending on the severity of their symptoms. Dr. Rick will evaluate your unique situation and discuss the number of sessions needed to treat your TMJ disorder and provide relief.

Some individuals experience a noticeable improvement in their TMD symptoms a day or two after treatment, while most report a marked improvement after a week or two, with results lasting 4-6 months. With repeated treatments, the jaw muscles become trained to relax, meaning you will need fewer future maintenance sessions to continue enjoying a pain-free smile.

TMD Relief Near Me in Scottsdale, AZ

Contact Dr. Rick Dentistry in Scottsdale, AZ, to learn more about relieving your TMJ discomfort with the help of Botox. Dr. Rick is committed to providing state-of-the-art care to enhance your sense of well-being and your quality of life. You don’t have to live with TMJ pain. Call us and schedule your appointment today!