Botox for TMJ Dysfunction: Am I a Good Candidate?

In the world of injectables, Botox® stands out as a popular treatment for fine facial lines. Botox and other injectables containing botulinum toxin, like Xeomin®, may be best known for treating wrinkles, but they also have lesser-known medical applications. 

Our multi-specialty team of neurorehabilitation experts at Delaware NeuroRehab in Dover and Newark, Delaware, uses Botox to treat several conditions, including temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). 

Do you struggle with jaw stiffness or pain? Read on to find out if Botox is the right treatment for your TMJ dysfunction. 

Do you have TMJ dysfunction?

Your temporomandibular joints connect your upper and lower jaw. You rely on these joints to eat, speak, chew, and use them to open and close your mouth. 

Around 12% of people in the United States experience TMJ issues. Temporomandibular joint disorder can cause a range of jaw symptoms, including:

• Pain 
• Stiffness
• Locking
• Restricted movement
• Clicking or popping sounds
• Grating or grinding sounds 

For some people, TMJ comes with earaches, ear numbness, or ear ringing. 

TMJ issues have many possible causes, including teeth grinding, arthritis, dental surgery, and injuries. 

How Botox can treat TMJ

Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin that acts on targeted muscles. Specifically, the toxin relaxes these muscles. 

Botox helps the muscles controlling your temporomandibular joints relax so you don’t clench or grind your teeth. 

The effects of Botox are temporary, so your symptoms eventually return after treatment. However, you can get repeated Botox for TMJ to maintain your results. 

Are you a candidate for Botox?

Delaware NeuroRehab uses Botox and Xeomin to treat TMJ disorder. The team evaluates your jaw problems and overall health to decide if you’re a good candidate for Botox injections. We usually offer Botox after other more conservative treatments haven’t provided relief. 

You might be a candidate for Botox for TMJ dysfunction if you:

• Grind your teeth
• Clench your jaw
• Have cartilage damage due to arthritis in your jaw
• Have already tried other treatments
• Are not pregnant or nursing
• Are generally healthy

If you’re a good candidate for Botox for TMJ dysfunction, our team gives you specific instructions on how to prepare for your injections. Keep in mind that Botox for TMJ can change the shape of your face by shrinking the muscles around your jaw, softening a square jawline.

Schedule your consultation

Are you interested in learning more about Botox for TMJ dysfunction? Call Delaware NeuroRehab or request an appointment online today.