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Botox is a purified protein that doctors inject into muscles and nerve endings to temporarily block nerve signals and weaken muscle activity in that area. Many patients use Botox to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but Botox is also used to treat medical concerns such as migraines, excessive sweating, and even overactive bladders.

For patients with a temporomandibular joint disorder or jaw tension, Botox can be injected into the muscles surrounding the head, neck, and shoulders to relax them. This temporary solution can relieve pain in the jaw as well as the neck and shoulders, which is especially helpful in patients with nighttime teeth-grinding issues.

Before undergoing any medical procedure, it’s important to consult with your doctor to see if Botox is right for you. In some cases, your dentist may recommend an alternative treatment method or a combination therapy of Botox with oral appliances like a night guard.

How Does BOTOX Treat TMJ?

BOTOX is an FDA-approved treatment that can relieve tension in the jaw muscles, relax the jaw joint, and reduce the symptoms of TMJ disorder. The procedure only takes minutes and has no downtime, so you can quickly return to work or your normal routine after treatment. 

During the procedure, your dentist will inject small amounts of Botox into the jaw muscles to relax them and alleviate the tension that causes TMJ disorder symptoms. You’ll feel immediate relief after the injection, but results may take a few days to fully develop. You’ll need several injections over the course of several months to achieve the most optimal results. Botox injections are a non-invasive alternative to surgery and medication, and the procedure has an excellent safety record.

What Are Aftercare Instructions for Botox?

At-home care instructions after BOTOX injections are very important to achieving the best results with treatment and relieving discomfort during the recovery period. You’ll need to rest and avoid strenuous activity for the first 24 hours after treatment. It’s also important to avoid massaging the injection sites to prevent migration of the Botox away from the site.

Daily cleaning of the injection site is essential to prevent the development of infection at the site. You can apply a warm, wet washcloth to the site for a few minutes at least once a day to keep the area clean. You should also gently brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with water after eating to remove any food particles that may have gotten trapped in the area.

Your dentist will give you specific instructions on how to care for your injection site based on the location and severity of your symptoms. If you have any other questions about at-home care for BOTOX injections, contact your dentist’s office to learn more.

To find out more about the dental services offered at our dental practice, call (505) 292-8515 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 8400 Osuna Rd NE, Suite 5B, Albuquerque 87111.