Botox® as an Alternative Treatment for TMJ
Here at Northshore Dental Center, we are dedicated to the treatment of facial pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, bruxism, and migraines using Botox.
Facial pain is a form of pain experienced in the face and/or oral cavity. This facial pain can be a result of hyper-irritable points in the facial muscles, or trigger points. Trigger points can occur in various sites in the head, neck, and shoulder and can be easily identified by holding pressure against tight bands of muscle fiber.
TMJ pain can be a result of many different issues that affect the muscles associated with the TMJ, chewing, and other related facial structures. The TMJ and its associated muscles are responsible for control and functioning of the jaw. Patients suffering from TMJ dysfunction may experience the following symptoms:
• Pain and tenderness in the face, jaw, neck, temples, and shoulders
• Limited range of motion concerning the jaw
• The jaw feeling stuck or locked in position
• Headaches
Bruxism includes clenching and griding of the teeth and results in the overuse of facial muscles. Bruxing can lead to TMJ pain and headaches.
Migraines are a common type of headache with various symptoms including nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound. Many people also experience a throbbing isolated to one side of the head.
If you feel that you experience any of these symptoms, please let us know and we will complete a comprehensive oral-facial pain examination to create a personalized treatment plan that will best help reduce your symptoms.
If you have any questions about BOTOX® or would like to talk to us about whether it might be a good option for you, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (425) 486-2422.