If you suffer from jaw pain, difficulty chewing, or temporal headaches, Botox could offer relief. 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.
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.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox, or botulinum toxin, is a neurotoxin. It blocks nerve impulses to muscles in the face. Botox is a nonsurgical, FDA-approved treatment. While many patients receive Botox for face wrinkles, Botox can also treat orofacial 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 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.
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.
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 any 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. The amount of Botox units Dr. Henrich uses during treatment is based on your TMJ symptoms.
Botox treatment is quick and painless. It typically takes 10 to 20 minutes to complete. 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
- Makeup
- Putting pressure on your face
- Facials and excess skincare
- Exercise for up to a day after treatment
Instead, use a gentle cleanser and minimal skincare. After 24 hours, you can resume your normal skincare and makeup routine.
You will begin to notice a change in your facial pain about seven days after treatment. Botox results, including less pain and a greater range of motion in the jaw, can last up to three months after treatment. We will also recommend touch-up treatments as needed.
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 sleeping, avoid sleeping on your stomach, as 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.
Contact Our Office
Do you want Botox for TMJ? Call Dr. Henrich for treatment 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.