Botox
Although Botox is known primarily as an injectable to treat fine lines and wrinkles, around the eyes and forehead, it can be used for a lot more than that. By paralyzing the muscles around the injection site, Botox relaxes the muscles and causes them to no longer be able to contract. Therefore, whether or not you are using Botox to fill in wrinkles by relaxing the muscles, or are injecting it into the jaw muscles to cause them to relax, it is virtually doing the same thing across the body.
Benefits of Botox for TMJ
As a non-invasive alternative to things like surgery, Botox treatment is designed to relax the muscles around the jaw which lead to the symptoms of TMJ. Because it is non-invasive, Botox can be administered at the doctor’s office without the need of a hospital stay. Additionally, patients notice the relief from their TMJ symptoms just a day or two after receiving Botox and will notice the full benefits just a week afterwards.
Is It Safe?
Although not yet FDA approved to treat TMJ, Botox has been on the market long enough and hasn’t shown any signs or symptoms for patients to worry about. However, that being said, it really hasn’t been used long enough to treat TMJ in order to determine just how safe it is.
If you suffer from TMJ and are looking for a treatment option, it might be time to consider investigating Botox a little further.
To learn more about TMJ treatment or to speak with a specialist, contact our office today!