December 31, 2015

TMJ, or disorders relating to the temporomandibular joint, shows a range of symptoms, including earaches and headaches, leading to frequent misdiagnoses as they usually indicate sinus-focused conditions. Moreover, symptoms severity may change when the patient experiences increased or decreased stress levels. During cycles of elevated stress, patients may notice teeth grinding, serious earaches and/or lock jaw. While there are other established methods of treatment, Botox is a popular alternative because of the following.

  1. May Alleviate a Variety of Symptoms

Though it is ordinarily associated with cosmetic procedures, Botox is an increasingly popular treatment for TMJ because it can offer long-lasting symptom relief. Injected in key points along the jaw and face, Botox may:

  • Decrease the occurrence of lockjaw
  • Significantly minimize tension in and around the jaw
  • Reduce or eliminate headaches resulting from nighttime grinding
  • Minimize pain in the neck and shoulders
  • Decrease discomfort when the jaw is in use
  1. Fast Procedure and Immediate Effects

To ensure the treatment is tailored to the patient’s needs, a general dentist in Durango, CO should evaluate every patient individually. However, the procedure will involved a series of injections and is typically completed in 30 minutes or less. Muscle tenderness is expected to begin dissipating nearly immediately and may continue doing so for the next week.

  1. Minimal Discomfort for the Patient

Because Botox is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure, patients can expect to resume their normal daily activities immediately, but high levels of physical activity should be postponed for a time. The procedure causes little pain as many patients compare the needle pricks to a small bug bite or prick. There may be some mild tenderness, redness or bruising, but these symptoms should clear quickly after the procedure.

If you’re interested in speaking with a general dentist in Durango, CO about the treatment and your TMJ symptoms, feel free to contact Dr. Mason Miner at 970.306.0535 and set up an appointment.

 

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