Are you looking for non-surgical solutions to relieve painful jaws resulting from TMJ disorders or TMD? If so, Botox may be right for you. The minimally invasive TMD treatment helps temporarily relax your muscles, providing real, lasting relief. You can count on Dr. Rick and his dedicated team at Dr. Rick Dentistry for care and service that go above and beyond your expectations!

What Is TMD?

Your temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, are found on each side of your head, in front of your ears. They allow you to move your jaws forward, backward, side to side, and up and down, allowing you to eat, chew, talk, speak, yawn, and even swallow. Problems with the muscles, bone, or tissues in and around your TMJs are known as temporomandibular joint disorders, or TMD.

What Are the Symptoms of TMD?

TMD can lead to chronic, debilitating pain, leaving you struggling to perform everyday actions, such as chewing, speaking, or even opening your mouth. Patients often report headaches and pain around the jaw, face, head, temple, neck, shoulders, and even the ears. Symptoms also include facial swelling or ringing in the ears.

TMD can leave you with a stiff jaw and may limit its range of motion. You may notice clicking, grinding, popping, or crunching sensations when you chew, yawn, or open or close your mouth. In some cases, TMD can cause a locked jaw or impact your bite, leaving your upper and lower teeth no longer fitting together properly. The good news is that Botox injections for TMD can help provide you with relief, enhancing your quality of life.

How Does Botox for TMD Work?

Botox not only smooths away the signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles, but it also offers a safe and effective solution for chronic TMD. The powerful neuromodulator is derived from botulinum toxin type A. When injected into targeted muscles, Botox temporarily relaxes them, easing your jaw stiffness and providing lasting TMD relief. Most patients report significant improvement in their symptoms, especially those with TMD resulting from teeth grinding (bruxism) or stress disorders.

What Should You Expect During Treatment?

Dr. Rick will inject the Botox into targeted locations using an ultra-fine needle with minimal to no discomfort. You will need no downtime or recovery time, meaning you can resume your daily activities without interruption. While some individuals find significant TMD symptom relief after a single Botox session, you may need a series of treatments for the best results. Dr. Rick will tailor your treatment based on your severity of symptoms and your unique needs.

What Are the Expected Results?

You may start experiencing relief a day or two after treatment. However, the most noticeable improvement in your symptoms should appear a week or two after your Botox procedure, with results lasting 4-6 months. You’ll need touch-up treatments to continue to enjoy lasting relief. With repeated Botox sessions, your jaw muscles become trained to relax, requiring less future maintenance.

Botox for TMD Near Me in Scottsdale, AZ

If you would like to learn more about Botox treatments for TMD, our team at Dr. Rick Dentistry is here to help. Dr. Rick is happy to answer your questions, address your concerns, and get you on track to lasting relief. We invite you to call us at 480-585-4244 to schedule your appointment or request one online today!