Botox® – it’s not just for wrinkles! How we ease TMJ pain symptoms with this injectable treatment
You may be familiar with Botox® as a treatment for cosmetic concerns, like expression lines or crow’s feet around the eyes and frown lines between the eyebrows. However, Botox® can also be used at the dentist’s office to treat conditions like Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder. Botox® Cosmetic is rooted in medical applications. Long before it was known as an aesthetic wrinkle-buster, it was used to treat everything from crossed eyes to the severe neck spasms of cervical dystonia. The office of Chase Patton, D.D.S. in Columbia, Missouri, is pleased to offer this injectable procedure as a non-invasive and scientifically proven way to put the pain of TMJ behind you.
What is TMJ?
This is a great starting point. Understanding how Botox® works for TMJ requires understanding the disorders associated with this jaw joint. These joints can be found on either side of your face. They connect the skull to the lower jaws. TMJs function to facilitate healthy, fluid, and comfortable movement. When something is wrong with your TMJs, you may find simple, day-to-day, essential tasks or functions painful and distressing. For instance, chewing food may be difficult and hurt. Your jaw may lock up when you speak or try to reposition it. This group of disorders (TMJDs) is largely caused by damage or inflammation of the muscle tissue that surrounds the jaw joints. Such damage may arise due to degenerative conditions like arthritis, trauma or injury, misalignment or bite problems, bruxism (teeth grinding), and other habits or behaviors that “stress” the joints.
How does Botox® treat TMJDs?
Botox® is an injectable procedure. It involves using very fine and sterile needles to apply a formulation that contains a form of botulinum toxin into specific muscles in the jaw. The masseter muscles connect the lower jawbone to the cheekbone. When the masseters are hyperactive or overstressed, characteristic TMJ-related pain, stiffness, and other symptoms can result. The active ingredient in Botox® is designed to reduce excessive muscle activity. In doing so, the tension generated by the masseter is relaxed, and the force applied by the muscle on the joint is alleviated. A weight is truly lifted from the jawbone. Patients notice a reduction in the frequency and severity of headaches/migraines, earaches, facial and jaw pain, and more.
Why should I trust this procedure to Chase Patton, D.D.S.?
Dr. Patton is certified to treat patients in the Columbia, MO area with Botox®. Additionally, as a qualified and experienced dentist, he has substantial oral anatomy and function expertise. These skills come together to support a safe, complication-free treatment. Our patients also trust that they can get real relief from the pain and other symptoms of TMJD and related conditions, which can easily overwhelm a person’s life without prompt and effective treatment. The symptoms associated with these conditions only get worse when they are ignored. For real relief of TMJD pain without surgery, contact our team today at (573) 875-7040 to request an appointment with Dr. Patton.
Dr. Chase Patton is a highly skilled dentist passionate about improving patients' physical and mental health through comprehensive dental care. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, graduating Cum Laude from the University of Missouri–Kansas City, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Missouri–Columbia. Dr. Patton has advanced training in oral surgery and cosmetic dentistry, receiving accolades such as the American Academy of Orofacial Pain Award. His commitment to continued education at the prestigious Pankey Institute reflects his dedication to providing exceptional care with skill, expertise, and trustworthiness.