BOTOX® is more than a cosmetic treatment; it can be used to treat a range of pain disorders, too. If you suffer from TMJ problems, migraines, or frequent headaches, BOTOX® may be able to help you find some relief.
How BOTOX® Works to Relieve Pain
BOTOX® is the short name for botulinum toxin, a bacterial toxin that causes muscle paralysis. BOTOX® relaxes muscles rather than paralyzing them, and is highly beneficial for treating certain kinds of chronic pain.
BOTOX® works by relaxing the muscles that cause the chronic pain associated with TMJ problems, as well as migraines and tension headaches. This is an effective treatment when these conditions are caused by stress, or by overwork of the temporomandibular joint. Treating the muscles of this joint with BOTOX® means it can no longer make the strong contractions that lead to TMJ pain or tension-related headaches and migraines.
Note that because BOTOX® works specifically on muscles, it’s important to diagnose the source of your pain before having BOTOX® treatment. If the source of your pain is not muscular, then BOTOX® is unlikely to have any benefit.
BOTOX® Treatment from Your Dentist
Dentists who have trained in BOTOX® therapy for the treatment of TMJ and other orofacial pain disorders can safely administer this treatment to patients—and BOTOX® is a highly successful treatment that can provide several months of relief from the pain of these disorders.
When you have a BOTOX® treatment, your dentist will inject a tiny dose of BOTOX® into the affected muscle, using a very thin needle. These needles are so thin they can barely be felt, but many dentists do use a numbing agent to ensure there’s no discomfort from the injection. A typical BOTOX® treatment can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on how many locations need to be injected.
Once the BOTOX® has been administered, it may take a few days to achieve its full effect. You may notice some mild bruising or redness at the injection site, which will recede in a day or two. Some other possible side effects include headaches, flu-like symptoms, and nausea.
The effects of a single BOTOX® injection last around 5 to 6 months, so repeat treatments are needed to maintain the pain-relieving effects. However, because BOTOX® relaxes the muscles and prevents them from causing painful symptoms, the treatment also provides time for the muscles and joint to rest and heal. Some people find that their TMJ symptoms subside to a manageable level after one or two rounds of BOTOX® treatment.
If you or a loved one are experiencing discomfort brought on by the repercussions of TMJ disorder, we encourage you to call our Imperial dental practice. We will work with you to schedule your BOTOX® treatment!