Tempero-mandibular joint is the joint that is formed by the mandibular bone with the base of the skull. It is an arthodial joint. It is supported or held in place by several muscles of the face which makes it possible for the mouth open, close and do various other movements like chewing. There is a cartilaginous disc present between the two adjoining bones of the joint. This disc acts as a cushion and plays a very important role in maintaining the harmony of the joint.
How does the botox injection work?
Botox are an injection which is mainly constitutes the botulinum toxin obtained from the bacteria Clostridium Botulinum. It is a neurotoxic protein. This protein works by inhibiting the release of the Acetylcholine neurotransmitter from the axon endings at the site of the injection which causes transient paralysis of the muscle involved. This relaxes the muscle and eventually causes relief.
Botox has been used for many years and is famous mainly in the field of cosmetics. They have been known to be used in removing wrinkles, fine age lines, forehead lines and frown lines. However botox injection is now been used in the dental industry for treating TMJ disorders and associated jaw tension and pains.
What are the causes for TMJ pain and associated headaches?
TMJ pain is due to the following reasons:
- TMJ arthritis
- Bruxism
- TMJ disorder with and without reduction
What are the symptoms associated with TMJ disorders?
- Pain in and around the ear and jaw
- Pain while opening and closing the jaws
- Pain associated with clicking sound in the joint
- Painful popping and grinding sounds in the joint
- Pain while speaking , chewing and yawning
- Pain in one side or both sides of the face
- Headache
- Inability to open and close the mouth comfortably
- Sourness in the muscles around the ear in the morning.
How does botox injection treat jaw tension and TMJ disorder?
The botox injection works by relaxing the muscles of TMJ and associated around the TMJ. This relaxation causes relief of pain in an overworked and stresses TMJ. The effect is immediate and very effective. It is non-surgical and non-invasive. It is administered in the doctor’s office and can include a single appointment or multiple depending on case to case.
Where is the Botox injection given?
Botox injection is given by a trained professional in the muscles surrounding the TMJ like the masseter, temporalis and the pterygoid muscles. The injection only affects the localized area of the injection site and does not spread.
What to expect after the botulinum injection?
The pain in the jaw is removed immediately. The wrinkles start to diminish after 24 to 48 hours and keep reducing for the next one week. There may be mild temporary bruising, numbness or redness around the injection site. The injections can be applied for once or many times this depends on the case to case and the professional who is treating you. Dr. Rajat Sachdeva suggests that with this new option of treating your TMJ pains, you should go and visit your dentist today and ask them about the Botox for your joint.
What are the possible complications, risks and limitations of botox injections for TMJ treatment?
The patient may experience numbness in the areas of the injection with relief of pain. The area will be stiff and have almost minimum movement for the period of almost one week. There may be redness or bruising in the injection site. Sometimes you may have a headache with flu like symptoms, nausea and temporary eyelid drop.
For how long is the patient asymptomatic?
The pain is relieved for approximately 4 to 5 months. It can vary depending on case to case. After this you may or may not need a retherapy for relieve of the pain.
Is the procedure of botox injection painful?
During the procedure of application of the injection you might just feel a small prick of the injection. The procedure is not that painful.
