Botox For TMJ

The preferred method for treating TMJ (temporormandibular joint) disorders has been a mouth-guard to prevent damage to the teeth from clenching and grinding. Now, a new treatment is in trials: injecting Botox directly into the TMJ.

A small amount of Botox injected directly into the TMJ by a neuromuscular dentist is proving to be beneficial in lessening the grip of a disorder that has many associated symptoms. Not only is damage to the teeth and gums possible over time, but TMJ disorders often result in headaches, ear popping, neck pain and more.

Presently, this is only in trials and offers a three- to six-month benefit; and while promising, it does present the potential of risk of changing your facial appearance by relaxing the muscles of the lower face.