Botox Therapeutic Tulsa, OK

Botox could offer relief if you suffer from jaw pain, difficulty chewing, or temporal headaches. Dr. Frank Henrich offers therapeutic Botox as a treatment option for the discomfort associated with TMD. Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are also commonly referred to as TMJ. Stress or an injury to the joints that connect the skull to the jawbone creates facial pain. Botox therapeutic in Tulsa, OK, reduces this pain and discomfort.

Botox is not just a cosmetic treatment. Strategically placed injections of Botox can relax the jaw and facial muscles. Relaxed muscles improve your range of motion with less pain. If you have headaches due to TMJ dysfunction, Botox injections can reduce their frequency. Our office recommends Botox therapeutic in addition to other TMJ treatments for patients with lasting symptoms.

botox therapy tulsa, ok

How Does Botox Work?

Botox, or botulinum toxin, is a neurotoxin. It blocks nerve impulses to muscles in the face to help smooth dynamic wrinkles, or wrinkles that form when you smile or laugh. Botox is a non-surgical, FDA-approved treatment. Many people know Botox for treating crow’s feet and forehead lines by relaxing the muscles in the face.

While many patients receive Botox for face wrinkles, Botox can also treat headaches and facial pain from TMD. Injected into key areas of the face, Botox relaxes muscles and reduces pain that often results when these muscles repeatedly contract and clench.

Patients who receive Botox for TMJ disorders not only benefit from smoother-looking skin but also reduce headaches and pain. Botox treatment is highly customizable. Dr. Henrich will only inject Botox where you feel tension or pain.

Botox offers benefits for patients who want cosmetic or therapeutic treatment:

  • Pain relief
  • Smoother skin
  • Quick treatment times

Botox Therapeutic for TMJ Relief in Tulsa, OK

Dr. Henrich has years of experience treating patients who suffer from temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and associated pain and discomfort. TMD can have a range of underlying causes. Identifying the root cause of dental health problems is the key to a successful, lasting outcome.

Dentists like Dr. Henrich have years of studying anatomy, including the bones and muscles in the face. Like estheticians, dentists can get the same training to become Botox certified. 

Malocclusion or tooth misalignment is a common cause of TMD. We can treat crooked teeth with restorative or orthodontic treatment. However, many patients suffer painful symptoms for other reasons, including stress or damage to the jaw joints. In those cases, we may recommend Botox.

Am I a Candidate for Botox?

If you have these TMJ symptoms, Botox may be right for you:

  • Pain when opening or closing the mouth
  • Morning headaches and migraines
  • Jaw clicking or popping

Before Botox, we will ensure you are healthy and a good candidate for treatment. Our office recommends Botox for men and women with persistent facial pain. Patients who have tried other treatments without consistent results are good candidates for Botox.

We do not recommend Botox for patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18, or have nerve and muscle disorders.

What to Expect: Botox Therapeutic in Tulsa, OK

TMJ Botox treatments, like other Botox injections, require preparation and aftercare. Here, we will review what to expect before, during, and after your treatment:  

Preparing for Botox

Before Botox treatment, you will visit Dr. Henrich for a consultation. During this visit, he will determine if you are a candidate for Therapeutic Botox.

Dr. Henrich will discuss your dental health concerns and medical history. When pain and discomfort are significant, Botox can often offer relief for most patients. Dr. Henrich may also recommend additional treatments to complement and support the resolution of your TMJ disorder.

Before your injections, we ask that you avoid:

  • Fish oil, Vitamin E, and garlic
  • Alcohol 
  • Anti-inflammatory medications 
  • Aspirin or blood thinners

To be safe, avoid these substances a week before treatment. Some substances increase the risk of bruising and inflammation following Botox.

Botox Treatment 

To begin Botox treatment. Dr. Henrich will apply a numbing cream so you do not feel pain. Then, he strategically injects Botox directly into the jaw joint area and areas of the forehead as needed.

Dr. Henrich targets the muscles that move the jaw. Tension can build in these muscles due to teeth grinding, jaw clenching, and joint dysfunction. He may also target facial muscles that contribute to headaches. Dr. Henrich bases the amount of Botox units he uses during treatment on your TMJ symptoms.

Botox treatment is quick and painless. It typically takes 10 to 20 minutes to complete Botox treatment in our office. Dr. Henrich will provide full instructions as you heal so you know what to expect. 

Post-Treatment

Botox requires little downtime. However, directly after treatment, we ask that you avoid:

  • Sun exposure, tanning, or excess heat
  • Makeup
  • Putting pressure on your face
  • Facials and excess skincare
  • Exercise for up to a day after treatment 

Avoid makeup, exfoliants, and skin treatments right after treatment. Instead, use a gentle cleanser and minimal skincare. After 24 hours, you can resume your normal skincare and makeup routine. 

Put on SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin when you go outside. Avoid tanning or staying in direct sunlight directly after Botox injections.

Avoid sleeping on your stomach or side, because pressing your face to the pillow can displace the injections. Instead, sleep on your back with your head elevated. Elevation helps increase blood flow to the treated areas.

Temporary side effects from Botox may include redness, bruising, and swelling at the injection sites. These side effects typically last two to three days.

We recommend that you use a cold compress and pain medication as you heal. Cold compresses will reduce inflammation and swelling.

However, avoid NSAIDs after treatment. Blood thinners will increase your risk of bleeding and bruising.

When Will I See the Results from Botox?

Botox begins to work within 1 to 2 days. If you get Botox for your TMJ disorder, you will begin to notice a change in your facial pain about 7 days after treatment. Botox results, including less pain and a greater range of motion in the jaw, can last up to 3 months after treatment.

We will also recommend touch-up treatments as needed. In addition to medication, lifestyle changes, and oral appliances, Botox treatments can help you manage your TMJ symptoms.

Contact Our Office

Do you want Botox for your TMJ disorder? Call Dr. Henrich for Botox Therapeutic in Tulsa, OK, today at (918) 553-5907. Schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Henrich online.

Please let us know if you have questions about TMJ therapy at your next visit. We will be happy to help. Dr. Henrich serves Woodfield Estates, Berryhill, Broken Arrow, and the surrounding communities of Tulsa.