Botox® and XEOMIN®

If you need BOTOX® injections, you may wonder why you should choose a dentist over another medical professional. The answer is simple: dentists have in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy and musculature. Because BOTOX works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles, we have special insight into where it should be injected and what its effects will be.

BOTOX can be effective in treating migraines, hyperhidrosis, and TMJ disorder, among other conditions. At TMJ Relief, we provide BOTOX injections to treat a number of different issues.

The same way BOTOX relaxes facial muscles to smooth lines and wrinkles, it can also relax facial muscles to ease the tension that causes TMJ disorder. We use BOTOX to treat TMD, tooth grinding, and jaw clenching.

If night guards and splints are not effective, the next line of treatment for TMD traditionally involves surgery—replacement of the temporomandibular joint, arthrocentesis, or full mouth reconstruction. BOTOX gives us a more conservative, minimally invasive alternative to these surgical procedures. Furthermore, BOTOX injections are more effective at relieving symptoms than surgery. According to a study on the use of BOTOX for TMJ disorder, 91 percent of patients experienced symptom relief with BOTOX injections.

BOTOX is an outpatient procedure with little-to-no side effects. It’s done right in our dental office. When used to treat TMJ disorder, a course of three treatments is typically needed. Because more muscles are involved, BOTOX for jaw clenching, teeth grinding, and TMD involves more injections than BOTOX for fine lines and wrinkles.

During your BOTOX treatment for TMD, we will inject the muscle in the jaw that is overactive and contributing to TMD. Anesthesia and sedation are not needed for this treatment, and you’ll be able to return to work the same day.

Botox typically begins working within 7 to 10 days, but it takes approximately two weeks for the muscles to fully weaken. Therefore, symptom relief is a gradual process rather than an immediate fix; patients should not expect to wake up suddenly relieved. Interestingly, many people fully appreciate how well the treatment worked only once the effects begin to wear off and symptoms slowly return.

BOTOX is not a permanent solution for TMD. The effects of the injections will begin to wear off in about four months and then re-treatment is needed for continued symptom relief.

XEOMIN works beneath the skin’s surface to relax the muscles that cause “dynamic wrinkles” (read: lines that appear when you smile, frown, or squint). By temporarily preventing these muscles from contracting, XEOMIN smooths upper facial lines—including crow’s feet, forehead lines, and frown lines—leaving you with a refreshed look that still feels like you. XEOMIN® can be used anywhere botox is used.