Botox® for TMJ Disorder

TMJ Disorder refers to problems with the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), the joints at either side of the face that connect the jawbone to the skull, creating a hinge. The TMJ is the most consistently used joint in the body, allowing you to eat, talk, breathe, and chew. When its muscles and joints are not working in tandem as they were designed to do, problems result, leading to pain and functional impairment.

While the technical term for problems surrounding the joint is TMJ Disorder or TMD, many people refer to these problems with the jaw joint as TMJ. Up to 12% of the U.S. population suffers from some form of TMJ, which can affect the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones in this complex joint in various ways.

TMJ Symptoms

Because the TMJ is such a complex joint, there is a wide range of symptoms associated with TMJ Disorder. If you have one or more of the following symptoms for over a week, please get in touch with us for an evaluation. TMD responds best to early intervention.

• Locking of the jaw
• Clicking or popping of the jaw
• Aching pains around or in the ear
• Grating or grinding sensation in the jaw
• Pain or tenderness in the jaw
• Jaw pain that increases when talking
• Difficulty chewing
• Facial pain
• Ringing in the ears
• Chronic headaches or dizziness

Botox for TMJ and Jaw Pain

Botox (Botulinum Toxin A) is one way to relieve TMJ pain. While it is not a cure for jaw pain, headaches, or other symptoms, it can bring relief that greatly improves your quality of life and allows the temporomandibular joint to rest. When Botox is injected into specific muscles in the TMJ, it temporarily prevents muscle contraction, easing pain caused by overactive muscles in and around the jaw.

We have seen Botox help manage TMD, decreasing pain, muscle hyperactivity, and dysfunction. Used within a custom treatment plan addressing the root cause of TMJ Disorder, Botox effectively relieves pain and puts you on the path toward improved jaw function. At your consultation with Dr. Payman, she will determine the severity of your TMJ and discuss a wide range of treatment options, from conservative to aggressive, creating the right plan for you.

Why Choose Derm Clinic MD for TMJ Treatment?

Dr. Payman has vast experience, successfully treating thousands of patients with Botox over the last fifteen years. Choosing a provider with extensive and concentrated training unique to injections in the facial area is crucial to avoiding negative results, such as facial paralysis, drooling, difficulty swallowing, and/or a lop-sided or crooked smile. As a board-certified physician in facial anatomy, Dr. Payman has the expertise that ensures superior outcomes when treating jaw pain with Botox.

Botox for TMJ FAQs

What causes TMJ disorder?

The causes of TMJ disorder are often complex and may not be traceable to just one issue. However, the most common causes include:

• Trauma to your jaw
• Damaged cartilage due to arthritis
• Teeth grinding (bruxism) and teeth clenching
• Erosion, displacement, or dislocation of shock-absorbing disks located in the jaw
• Stress that causes tension in the jaw and facial muscles

How soon can you feel relief?

The relief is often immediate, but it can take up to 3-5 days to relax the jaw muscles. There is minimal recovery time, and patients can perform their daily activities with no interruptions after the BOTOX® procedure.

Are there side effects to BOTOX for TMJ injections?

Some patients may experience mild bruising, tenderness, or redness at the injection sites, which quickly go away. Other side effects, although rare, may include headaches and temporary drooping of the eyelids.

How Long do Results Last?

Results can last anywhere from 3 months to 1 year, depending on the severity of the condition and the size of the muscle injected.

How much does BOTOX® for TMJ cost?

Every patient’s needs and goals are different, making a price estimate difficult. A consultation that includes an examination is necessary to determine the cost of your treatment.

Botox dosages for injections of the masseter muscles vary from 16 units to 35 units per side of the face. Our office charges by the unit dosage of Botox. Cost is based on the dosage needed, typically $350-800, depending on the treatment. Dr. Payman bases each dosage on her assessment of your muscle strength, size, joint condition, symptoms, and medical history.

Does insurance cover TMJ injections?

It’s not common for insurance to cover TMJ Botox injections, but each insurance company has its own policies, and we recommend you check with yours. We are happy to help you complete the insurance paperwork, but please remember that payment is due at the time of service.

Can BOTOX® change the shape of a face?

Botox can diminish a square jawline and make it appear more oval along the posterior jawline, a sought-after treatment for many individuals who desire to soften the squareness of their jaw. Any change to your face as a result of Botox is subtle.

Can BOTOX® make TMJ worse?

No! Botox will only lessen your TMJ symptoms. The effectiveness of treatment may vary depending on dosage and the injection technique used. However, Dr. Payman’s extensive training, experience, and expertise in oral and maxillofacial areas surpasses that of most general physicians, ensuring skills that deliver excellent Botox injection outcomes.

Is BOTOX® for TMJ FDA-approved?

No, Botox is not currently FDA-approved for TMJ injections, but Botox is one of the most commonly performed, minimally invasive cosmetic procedures in North America—and with great success. It has been used for treating TMJ symptoms for decades.

Where is BOTOX® for TMJ injected?

Botox is injected along the posterior jawline into the masseter muscle in a targeted manner based on your anatomy and symptoms. We may also inject Botox in other areas to target your specific symptoms.

Is TMJ curable?

TMJ is a debilitating condition that can interfere with your quality of life due to pain, headaches, inability to consume/chew foods without pain, and deterioration of dental enamel due to constant grinding. Still, it can be resolved with proper treatment, which may involve BOTOX injections combined with other therapies to bring lasting relief.

BOTOX® for TMJ Before and After

Photos retrieved from the Journal of Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America.

Wu, Woffles T.L. “Botox Facial Slimming/Facial SCULPTING: The Role of Botulinum TOXIN-A in the Treatment OF Hypertrophic MASSETERIC Muscle and Parotid Enlargement to Narrow the LOWER Facial Width.” Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America, vol. 18, no. 1, 2010, pp. 133–140., doi:10.1016/j.fsc.2009.11.014.