Jaw BOTOX® for TMJ

What is TMJ Disorder?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint and refers to the part of your mouth that acts as a hinge, attaching your jawbone to your skull. TMJ is the most consistently used joint in the body and is responsible for the movement of the lower jaw. When its muscles and joints are not working in tandem as they were designed to do, problems leading to pain and functional impairment result. When working properly, the TMJ allows us to open our mouths to eat, chew, breathe, and talk.

TMJ is also a common term for disorders that involve problems with jaw joint function. TMJ issues, such as TMJ pain and dysfunction, are technically referred to as TMD (temporomandibular disorder) even though TMJ and “lockjaw” have become familiar, all-encompassing titles for this common condition. Nearly 80 million Americans suffer from some form of TMJ.

What are TMJ symptoms?

TMJ is an umbrella term that covers a variety of issues with the jaw’s joints and muscles, so just as issues vary from patient to patient, so do symptoms. If you suffer from any of the following, please contact us and set up a consultation today.

• Locking of the jaw
• Clicking or popping of the jaw
• Aching pains around or in the ear
• Pain or tenderness in the jaw
• Difficulty chewing
• Facial pain
• Ringing in the ears
• Headaches or dizziness

BOTOX® for TMJ

Research, as well as our experience, shows..” that Botulinum Toxin A (Botox) may be a helpful aid in the management of TMD. This group of jaw disorders is characterized by pain and difficulty with moving the jaw and/or joint sounds. Botox is a biological toxin that temporarily prevents muscle contraction, easing pain caused by overactive muscles in and around the jaw.

For management of TMD, Botox is injected into several muscle groups that are involved in moving the jaw. We have seen Botox help in the management of TMD, decreasing pain, muscle hyperactivity, and dysfunction.

Reviewing this information and meeting with us is the first step in the right direction for finding relief from this painful disorder. There is a spectrum of treatment options that range from conservative to aggressive, depending on your unique problem and its severity. We look forward to discussing your TMJ disorder and developing the best treatment 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 decade. Choosing a provider that has undergone 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 it comes to treating jaw pain with Botox.

Who is a candidate?

Candidates for Botox for TMJ are patients who have experienced one of more of the following:

• 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

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.

BOTOX® for TMJ FAQs

How soon can you feel relief?

The relief is often immediate for most patients but can take up to 3-5 days to relax the muscles of the jaw. Dr. Payman has injected many patients with TMJ disorder using BOTOX® and is an expert in the field of TMJ pain relief with BOTOX®. There is the minimal recovery time and patients can perform their daily activities with no interruptions after the BOTOX® procedure.

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.

What is the cost of BOTOX® for TMJ injections?

Since every patient and their needs and goals are different, a consultation that includes an examination is necessary to determine the cost of your treatment.

At your convenience, we usually treat our patients at the time of consultation. 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 ranging from $350-800, depending on the treatment. Our doctor 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 set of policies, and we recommend you check with yours. We don’t accept insurance for Botox injections, but our staff would be happy to help you with submitting the right paperwork to your insurance.

Can BOTOX® change the shape of a face?

Botox can diminish a square jawline and make it appear more oval along the posterior jaw, a sought-after treatment for many of our patients 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. Underdosing may result in a less effective and short-lived result. However, Dr. Payman’s extensive training, experience, and expertise in oral and maxillofacial areas surpass that of most general physicians, ensuring skills that deliver excellent Botox injection outcomes.

Is BOTOX® for TMJ FDA approved?

At this time, Botox is not 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.

What are the BOTOX® for TMJ injection sites?

Botox is injected along the posterior jawline into the masseter muscle in a targeted fashion, based on your anatomy and symptoms, and we inject Botox in other areas to target your specific symptoms.

Is TMJ disorder fatal?

No! TMJ can be a debilitating condition that interferes 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, but it is not fatal.