Mastering The Masseter - Botox For TMJ
“POP, CLICK, GRIND” No, that’s not the noise from that old Buick your Grandpa gave you when you turned 16. Those are the symphony of sounds made by the jaw of someone suffering from Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome also known as TMJ. This disorder primarily effects the movement of the jaw and the surrounding muscles. Millions of people suffer from the chronic pain associated with TMJ and a myriad of symptoms including migraine headaches, lack of sleep, lock jaw, difficulty eating or speaking, and even abnormal sounds when moving the jaw. While a “cure” for TMJ remains elusive there are treatment options like Botox injections to target symptoms and over time prevent the severity of the disorder. I mean, what cant Botox do?
The jaw, or mandible, plays a key role in both how we eat and communicate so it goes without saying that its functionality is a top priority. TMJ severely impacts the masseter muscle which covers the length of the jawline and is responsible for chewing and clenching. When the masseter muscle is overactive it can trigger the symptoms of TMJ and over time this hyperactivity can enlarge the muscle, widen the jawline, and thus alter the shape of the face entirely for some. Botox injections into the masseter relaxes the muscle and by reducing it’s hyperactivity symptoms of TMJ are vastly improved. TMJ pain treatment and prevention coupled with the ability to regain the “youthful V shape”in your jawline once again makes Botox injections a win-win scenario for any patient.
A highly qualified injector like Dr. Steven Porto here in Fishers, Indiana administers Botox into the masseter via several small injections on either side of the jaw. Other brands of neuromodulators, or injectables, such as Dysport or Xeomin can also treat the symptoms of TMJ and all options are recommended to repeat every 3 to 6 months. Much like Botox treatment in the forehead and crows feet the number of units to. treat TMJ can vary for each patient based on the size and strength of the masseter muscle. On average patients range between 10 to 25 units of Botox on each side of the jaw. Similarly, while relief of TMJ pain and its related symptoms can be noticed soon after Botox injections it can take up to two weeks for full correction. Injectable treatments are not only a safe and effective treatment option to battle TMJ but also easy. With no downtime and rapid relief of TMJ woes the masseter muscle Botox injections are a no-brainer in your defense against jaw distress.
Something so troubling for many patients in one small 3 letter acronym, TMJ, has truly met it’s match in our favorite 5 letter force to be reckoned with, Botox. If you suffer from one or many of the symptoms of TMJ now is the time to schedule a free consultation with Porto Cosmetic Surgery to see how Botox can benefit you. Trust us, your jaw will thank you for it, literally!
