When you sit down to enjoy a nice meal, the last thing you want is jaw pain, clicking, or hours of headache afterwards. If you’ve experienced chronic irritation in the jaw, you might be suffering from TMJ disorders. Botox injections can provide the solution.
Botox is one of the most popular aesthetic treatments in the world. Patients everywhere use this injectable to reduce the presence of wrinkles so they can feel more youthful and rejuvenated every day. But Botox works effectively to treat more than just aesthetic concerns.
At Evolve Dentistry & Aesthetics, we perform Botox injections to reduce chronic pain and discomfort stemming from TMJ disorders. So if you have a problem with your temporomandibular joint, Dr. McGowen can help. Read on to learn more about the benefits of using Botox for TMJ in Craven County.
Understanding TMJ Disorders
To understand how TMJ disorders form, you need to understand how the temporomandibular joint works. This joint allows your lower jaw to move up and down, making it an instrumental part of many daily functions, including eating and speaking.
However, when this joint becomes damaged or strained, it can create chronic pain in your everyday life. Identifying the cause of this disorder can be challenging, since it may stem from a variety of factors and behaviors.
A TMJ disorder can even form from everyday habits like grinding your teeth and chewing gum. If you clench or grind your teeth, bite your nails, or chew gum often, then keep an eye out for some of the more common symptoms of a TMJ disorder.
These symptoms include:
- Pain or sensitivity in the jaw
- Aching inside or around the ear
- Regular headaches, including after eating
- Difficulty chewing normally
- Difficulty closing or opening the mouth
- Neck, eye, or tooth pain (in conjunction with jaw pain)
Another common symptom of a TMJ disorder is jaw clicking. However, if you don’t feel any significant pain as the jaw clicks, then it may be an unrelated condition.
If you experience one or more of these symptoms, reach out to a member of our team. We can determine whether you have a TMJ disorder and provide Botox injections to ease your discomfort.
How Botox Treats TMJ
If you’re here, you’ve probably heard that Botox can treat TMJ disorder, but you may not know how.
Botox gets its name from one of the most important ingredients in its formula—botulinum toxin. Botulinum toxin is a neuromodulator, which means it can block signals between nerves and muscles. When we inject Botox into a targeted area, it relaxes the muscles, so your body doesn’t overwork them.
Because the chronic pain stemming from a TMJ disorder arises from overworked jaw muscles, a Botox injection can reduce chronic irritation. When the muscles relax, the tightness dissipates and relieves the tension, headaches, and other related symptoms.
Injections in the masseter muscle can also cause them to atrophy, contracting them for a slimmer overall look.
And while we recommend Botox for TMJ in Craven County, that’s not the only benefit of this procedure.
Preparing for Your Botox Injection
To prepare for your Botox injection, drink plenty of water before your treatment. Hydrated skin is more elastic, which allows the Botox to settle more comfortably in the skin. Alcohol can dehydrate the skin, so avoid it for at least 24 hours before your treatment.
We also recommend cleaning the treatment area before you arrive—we won’t perform injections on areas covered in makeup. Our team cleans the area as well, but two cleanings is better than one to ensure full coverage.
The Consultation Process
While cleaning your face and staying hydrated both help you prepare for your Botox injections, the most important step is the consultation. At our clinic we design each plan based on your needs. Our consultation process allows your providers to gather some important information before performing your injections.
First, we need to identify your condition. We want you to get the most out of your treatment at Evolve Dentistry & Aesthetics, so before we make injections, we analyze whether they would reduce your jaw pain.
We also review your medical history and determine whether you need to pause any current medications. You should stop taking any medications or supplements that may thin your blood, since thin blood may result in bleeding or extensive bruising at the injection site.
If we confirm your TMJ disorder, then we can get started on your injections immediately. Not ready to receive your injections just yet? We can schedule a treatment date that works for you.
Making the Injections
If you’re interested in receiving Botox injections for treating TMJ, the process is simple. Dr. McGowen will get you seated comfortably in one of our treatment chairs, and then perform the injections.
This process should only take around 15 minutes, though the duration may vary slightly depending on your treatment objectives. You shouldn’t expect any significant pain during the treatment.
You may feel a small pinch as we perform the injections, but this shouldn’t be any more uncomfortable than a standard needle or injection, like a flu shot. Afterward, you can resume your day as normal.
Enjoying Your Results
Everyone responds to treatment differently, but you can expect to notice relief from chronic jaw pain within just a few weeks. Fortunately, you won’t need to take any dedicated downtime following your procedure.
If you feel any tenderness in the treatment area, don’t massage it, as this can cause the medication to spread to other areas in the face, creating unintended effects for other features. Instead, we recommend applying a cold compress to soothe any soreness.
Botox can alleviate the symptoms of TMJ for as long as 6 months. If you want to maintain these results indefinitely, talk to your provider. We may recommend scheduling bi-annual Botox injections so you don’t have to struggle with consistent jaw pain.
Paying for Your Treatment
We understand that treatment can be expensive. If you need assistance paying for your Botox injections, we have some valuable financial resources that can make the process simpler. While most insurance plans don’t cover Botox for TMJ in Craven County, you could still benefit from working with CareCredit or Sunbit.
These financing options allow you to space out your payments over time. This way, you don’t need to put down the full cost of your treatment on the day of your session.
We don’t think someone’s financial situation should prevent them from getting the care they need. Apply for CareCredit or Sunbit online. If you have any questions or concerns, give us a call, and we can help you understand your options!
Working With the Experts
If you’re considering treatment with Botox for TMJ in Craven County, Evolve Dentistry & Aesthetics should be your first stop. Our team started this clinic because we saw how the right dental and aesthetic resources could improve someone’s confidence.
When you replace lost teeth and brighten your smile, you can feel happier and more secure in yourself every day. Everything we do, we do to help you feel your best. So don’t let chronic jaw pain keep you from enjoying your life to the fullest.
Come to our clinic and see how our team of experts can provide the results you deserve.
Read More About TMJ Treatment
Want to learn more about TMJ treatment? Interested in learning how to best recover following your Botox for TMJ? You can get the answers you need in our educational blog.
Our blog is the #1 resource for any patient looking to learn more about Evolve Dentistry & Aesthetics and the treatments we offer. Many people put off signing up for the dental and aesthetic care they need because they feel nervous about meeting with a medical professional. But fear often comes from a lack of understanding.
Use our free blog to educate yourself about our services, and you can feel more comfortable and confident getting the treatment you deserve.
Alleviate Chronic Jaw Pain With Botox
Millions of people have used Botox to reduce wrinkles, but it can also help you to eat and speak more comfortably. You can treat your jaw pain with Botox for TMJ in Craven County.
To get started, contact our team of experts and schedule your in-person consultation. Unsure which of our treatments can provide you with the results you want? Try our free treatment recommendation tool.
Answer some simple questions about your goals, and we will reach out with a recommendation suited to your needs. Once you receive this free recommendation, bring it to your consultation appointment. Your provider can keep this recommendation in mind while they perform your examination, so they can confirm that it’s the right choice for your aesthetic needs.
Chronic pain can have a negative affect on your physical and mental well-being. You shouldn’t have to experience irritation throughout your daily life. Fortunately, you don’t need to put up with jaw pain forever—treat it with a Botox injection from our team at Evolve Dentistry & Aesthetics.
