What is TMJ disorder?
Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your lower jaw to your skull, just in front of your ears. When the joints or the muscles that move your jaw become strained or inflamed, it can cause ongoing pain and make everyday activities like chewing and talking uncomfortable.
Common symptoms
- Aching pain in the jaw, face, ears or neck
- Frequent headaches, especially in the morning
- Clicking, popping or grating sounds when opening your mouth
- Difficulty opening wide or a jaw that feels “stuck”
- Clenching or grinding your teeth, often during sleep
- Worn, chipped or sensitive teeth
A thorough evaluation
Because TMJ symptoms can have many causes, we start by listening to your history and carefully evaluating your jaw joints, muscles, bite and teeth. When helpful, our CBCT 3D imaging lets us take a detailed look at the joint structures.
Targeted BOTOX therapy
For many patients with muscle-related jaw pain or heavy clenching, BOTOX injections into specific jaw muscles can relax overactive muscles and reduce pain, tension headaches and the force of grinding. Treatment is quick and done right in our office. We’ll talk through whether BOTOX is a good fit for you, what results to expect and how often treatment is typically repeated.
Frequently asked questions
How long does BOTOX for TMJ last?
Results vary from person to person, but many patients feel relief for several months. We will help you decide on a maintenance schedule that works for you.
Will BOTOX change how my face looks?
Treatment for TMJ targets specific chewing muscles. Our goal is pain relief while keeping a natural appearance, and we will discuss any changes you might notice beforehand.
Can grinding damage my teeth?
Yes. Long-term clenching and grinding can wear down, chip or crack teeth. Treating the cause helps protect your teeth and existing dental work.