Wauconda Dental Excellence
Manuel Rodriguez, DDS
General & Cosmetic Dentist located in Wauconda, IL
Temporomandibular joint issues, often called TMJ or TMD, refers to pain or discomfort along the jaw that can affect your quality of life. If you’re among the estimated 10 million Americans suffering from TMJ, expert dentist Dr. Manuel J. Rodriguez can help. He offers Botox® injections to help alleviate the muscular pain contributing to your jaw pain. If you live in Wauconda, Illinois, or the surrounding area, call Wauconda Dental Excellence or use the online booking agent to make an appointment and find relief today.
What are the symptoms of TMJ?
TMJ refers to problems with the joint that attaches your jaw bone to your skull. It may cause pain in the joint itself, but it can also involve pain and dysfunction in the surrounding tissues. Symptoms include:
- Pain and stiffness in the jaw, face, or neck
- Pain when chewing
- Headaches and earaches
- Changes in your bite
- Clicking, grinding, and popping when you speak, chew, or yawn
How is TMJ treated?
Habitual clenching and grinding of the teeth often cause TMJ. If your jaw muscles tense so greatly, it causes the underlying pain in the joint. Often, this can lead to chronic spasms in these muscles.
If your TMJ issues are a result of nighttime grinding, a night guard may be enough to alleviate your pain. You may also undergo bite adjustments and dental restoration in an attempt to resolve your TMJ symptoms.
Many of those options are invasive and expensive, not to mention unsuccessful. Botox injections offer a revolutionary alternative.
How does Botox treat TMJ?
Botox is a neurotoxin well known for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, especially in the forehead and at the sides of the eyes. Botox works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles into which it’s injected, preventing them from contracting.
To treat TMJ, Dr. Rodriguez carefully administers the injections to address the muscles around your jaw, relaxing them and relieving your pain.
Do Botox injections hurt?
The needle used for Botox injections is very fine, so you barely feel the prick against your skin. Many patients describe it as feeling like a slight pinch. The entire process takes just a few minutes. If you’re afraid of pain, ask Dr. Rodriguez to apply a topical anesthetic or ice before the injection.
How long does Botox work?
The pain-relieving effects of Botox typically last 3-5 months, depending on how your body metabolizes the injections. Dr. Rodriguez recommends regular injections to maintain the effects.
Will Botox affect other jaw function?
Botox reduces and sometimes eliminates the reflex that induces clenching, but leaves enough force in your jaw for other essential actions. You’re still able to chew, swallow, and speak normally.
If you have pain when you chew or open your mouth wide, explore options for relief at Wauconda Dental Excellence.