Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are disorders that result from issues with the fit between the upper and lower jaw, jaw joints, and the muscles that control jaw movements. Sometimes people will call it “TMJ,” which actually describes the temporomandibular joint that connects your jawbone to the skull. Botox can help those experiencing TMD to feel relief from the pain and pressure resulting from the incorrect fit of the upper and lower jaw. If ignored, TMD can lead to more serious oral issues in the future. Read on to learn how our clinic can help relieve your pain with Botox for TMD.

How to Know if You’re a Candidate for Botox

You may be a candidate for Botox if you’re having jaw pain when chewing food or are experiencing any of these symptoms:

• Jaw pain (in the cheek or muscle)
• Pain in the ear area
• Popping or cracking
• Headaches
• Sore and/or loose teeth
• Chipped teeth
• Excessive wearing of teeth

How Does Botox Help TMD?

Botox helps TMD because it relaxes the muscles so they’re not in a constant spasm or clenching state. If your front teeth have been worn down and the teeth further in the back of the mouth are in contact with each other, the muscles will then fire and pain will result.

Botox treatment helps relax the muscles and provides temporary relief for 2-4 months, based on the patient and results. Most patients find that Botox treatment is not painful, as the injections use a very thin needle and we freeze the tissue before inserting the injection. Botox also does not harm the face and the tissue.

The process for a Botox procedure starts with a consultation where we’ll do an examination, discuss any concerns, and evaluate your pain. In some cases, and when the they’re paying out of pocket, certain patients can have the Botox procedure completed in the same day as the consultation. Insurance verification is often what takes the longest in the entire process, and our team will help verify your coverage to provide peace of mind.

How Long Does Botox Last?

Relief from a Botox procedure lasts about 2 to 4 months depending on the patient and the severity of the case. We will work with you to find out what the best dose is for you and ask you to come back to the clinic a few weeks after the procedure to see how you’re feeling. Our main goal is to help get your pain under control and we’ll work to find the right mix of dosage and frequency of the treatment. 

Does Insurance Cover Botox for TMD?

Some medical insurance will cover the Botox procedure, and some will not. We’re starting to see more insurance companies cover the Botox procedure, but if your insurance is not one of them, there are other ways to help cover the procedure. You can use your HSA or FSA account toward a Botox procedure, as well as dental financing through CareCredit.

Further Treatment for Jaw Pain

Many patients find pain relief from Botox to treat their TMD, but it’s important to know that Botox only provides temporary relief. Botox is more of a bandaid to temporarily relieve pain, but fixing the issue with your teeth is the long-term solution. The best way to provide long-term relief is to talk to your dentist about further treatment such as veneers or reshaping of the teeth to correct the position of the jaws and teeth, which will help lessen pressure on the joints. 

If you have concerns about your jaw pain, please request an appointment and our team will help decide the best treatment for your case.

Learn More About Botox for TMD

For more information about porcelain veneers and how they can benefit you, request an appointment with the team at North Pier Dental Associates today.