Grinding or clenching due to TMJ can not only damage your teeth; it can create tension headaches that interrupt daily life. For many patients, night guards can help relieve the damage from grinding, but tension headaches can still be a problem and not everyone is comfortable sleeping in a night guard day after day.
Dr. Sandhu offers a new solution for patients who don’t want to wear a night guard every night, or who are still suffering from headaches due to clenching and grinding. Small amounts of Botox can effectively relieve the symptoms of TMJ by relaxing the Masseter muscle, the jaw muscle most affected by TMJ. These minor, practically painless injections can eliminate the need for a night guard for up to three months.
Many people associate Botox with cosmetic treatment. But while these treatments might have a slight slimming effect on the cheeks of some patients, they go undetected in the majority of cases. Botox is a quick and easy solution for any patient who doesn’t want to wear a night guard or who is having trouble remembering to put one in every night. It’s also a relief for patients who might feel embarrassed by the sight of the night guard when climbing into bed alongside their partner. Whatever your reason for considering other options, Botox is a safe, FDA-approved treatment that can provide effective relief.
If you’re living with the side effects of TMJ, Dr. Sandhu is available today for consultation on whether or not Botox is for you. She’ll answer any questions you might have, work with you to determine what the best course of action is for your condition.