Can I have Botox injections for TMJ but just for clenching only, as it's disrupting my sleep?

Question

I suffer tmj, from bruxism, stress and bad neck posture. I don't get any pain, I just get a irritating clicking noise which veryoften clicks, when lying down and when awake. The main problem with it is that it stops me from sleeping and it causes me a lot stress. have been to see a consultant at my hospital for botox injections, but doesn't think that it is answer. I want to go privately to see if they will consider botox injections to help with my tmj is your thoughts on this, is this possible?

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

The neurmodulator Botox works by blocking the signals from the nerves that cause muscles to contract. If your masseter muscles are injected with Botox, they should relax sufficiently to give you relief from your TMJ. There may be other issues with your jaw that are causing the clicking. Sometimes stress is at the root of bruxism. I would recommend trying the Botox first. It will help alleviate the TMJ. If the other problems don't resolve, then you would need further evaluation. I hope this helps.

Mitchel Goldman, MD · Answer

We have had great success controlling the pain, stress and irritation of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) with Botox. By injecting hyperactive masseter muscles with a neurmodulator, we block signals that cause the muscles to contract, allowing them to relax and work without stress or clenching. Treating TMJ with Botox takes a great deal of skill on the part of the injector, because it is imperative not to interfere with the jaw's function. Please consult a board-certified dermatologist to have your TMJ alleviated with Botox.

Fatima Ahmed, MBBS, MSc · Answer

Thanks for asking.Injecting small doses of Botox (botulinum toxin) directly into the masseter muscle (the jaw), weakens the muscle enough to stop habitual grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaw. This significantly relaxes the muscle and reduces the wear and tear on the teeth due to bruxism (the action of clenching or grinding). Patients see improvement in their symptoms which helps them sleep better. Once you have it done by an experienced practitioner then around 2 weeks you will start to see the results and can decide if you like to continue it on regular basis or not.

Melda A. Isaac, MD · Answer

Your TMJ should improve with Botox injections, as they will relax the muscles that are now clenching. When treating the jaw, we inject the Botox into the masseters, which are responsible for opening and closing the jawbone. This will allow the masseters to relax and should provide you some relief. The clicking and bruxism should improve as well. There will also be a cosmetic effect: Your face will probably look a bit slimmer. You will need to repeat the injections every three to four months. Please find a board-certified dermatologist who has expert injection technique to treat you with Botox for temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ).

Margaret Weiss, MD · Answer

Botox is a neuromodulator, which means it blocks the messages that nerve cells send to the muscles, telling them to contract. Once a muscle has been injected with Botox, it relaxes and won't contract as fully. This makes Botox a very effective treatment for tension-related conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), bruxism and jaw clenching. Even if you wanted to clench your jaw, Botox would prevent you from doing it forcefully. Therefore, you should get relief from your bruxism and TMJ. Please find a board-certified dermatologist who has successfully treated TMJ with Botox, as it takes a great deal of skill to get satisfactory and safe results.

Can I have Botox injections for TMJ but just for clenching only, as it's disrupting my sleep?

Answers (8)

Answer: Botox for TMJ Only? Relax Your Jaw With Botox

Answer: Botox for TMJ Only? Relax Your Jaw With Botox

Answer: Can Botox Help TMJ? Botox Will Relax Clenching, Bruxism, TMJ

Answer: Can Botox Help TMJ? Botox Will Relax Clenching, Bruxism, TMJ

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Everything you need to know about Botox for TMJ

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Can I have Botox injections for TMJ but just for clenching only, as it's disrupting my sleep?

Answers (8)

Answer: Botox for TMJ Only? Relax Your Jaw With Botox

Answer: Botox for TMJ Only? Relax Your Jaw With Botox

Answer: Can Botox Help TMJ? Botox Will Relax Clenching, Bruxism, TMJ

Answer: Can Botox Help TMJ? Botox Will Relax Clenching, Bruxism, TMJ

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox for TMJ

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.