Can Botox Be Used to Treat TMJ?

Question

My question is about using botox for treatment of TMJ sydrome & also getting benefits of cosmetic appearance. I'm a 49 year old white male that has suffered from TMJ syndrome since the early 1980s. I had Bilateral TMJ arthroplasties done, which were unsuccessful. I'm on a number of medications for severe firbroymaliga, Lumbar dicsogenic syndrome & lumbar facet syndrome. I do go to a pain clinic. I'm currently on 6 different pain medications. I would really like to try Botox since i heard so much about it being used for myscofacial pain syndrome. Does it work?

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Botox injections in key areas of the very large muscles that contribute to TMJ is a good option for many. In fact, one of our nurse practitioners was treated for this with good outcomes. She had been relying on 800 mg of Ibuprofen per day to get relief from this condition prior to using Botox. An added benefit was a nice softening of the masseter muscles to create a more feminine appearance.
Be certain to find a practitioner that is experienced in injecting this area for this type of condition.

Mitchel Goldman, MD · Answer

Botox in the masseter muscle can be very effective at relieving or minimizing TMJ in the right candidate. It is a temporary solution, as the Botox will need to be repeated every three to four monthsinitially to maintain efficacy. Botox in this area may make your jawline slightly slimmer, but will not smooth out wrinkles. Additional treatments will be necessary. Please see a board-certified dermatologist who has experience in treating TMJ with Botox.

Lorrie Klein, MD · Answer

I have had success using Botox for TMJ with many patients. It does work completely in every patient but the side effects are negligible and if you can afford to at least try it I think it is worth a try. It is quick (takes less than a minute) and usually requires 20-60 units.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Botox could be beneficial but would best be administered by an expert in TMJ syndrome such as a maxillofacial surgeon or oral surgeon.
This condition can have multiple causes and is extremely difficult to treat.

Wm. Randall Cone, Jr., DMD · Answer

Botox can be an excellent treatment for some symptoms related to the TMJ.  There are a number of problems and symptoms that can be associated with the temporomandibular joint itself as well as the surrounding muscles and tissues.  For this reason, these problems are referred to a Temporomandibular Disorders. When the symptoms are related to the chewing muscles (muscles of mastication) and other associated muscles, Botox can be an excellent treatment.  Based on the history you describe, Botox could be very helpful and is effective for hundreds of my patients with similar symptoms. I would recommend an evaluation with a board certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon who is well versed in TMJ treatment, myofascial pain, and dental occlusion as they are all often interrelated. 
Wm Randall Cone Jr, DMD
Diplomate- American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Leslie Pickens, MD · Answer

I have been treating TMJ and other muscles with Botox for several years.  Botox has been used for neck spasm and eye muscle spasm well before its use for wrinkles.  It relaxes muscles used in grinding teeth that is well documented resulting in reduction in headaches and restoration of normal facial contouring.

Melda A. Isaac, MD · Answer

Yes, Botox has been used effectively to control the pain of TMJ. However, it will only be injected into the masseter muscles and therefore will not smooth out wrinkles in your skin. It may actually make your face look a bit slimmer. If you want your wrinkles treated, too, that would be a separate administration. Please consult a board-certified dermatologist who has experience using Botox for TMJ so you can get some relief.

Ronald Konig DDS · Answer

Botox can be used to help relieve some muscle pain from TMJ disorders.  However, it is like a bandaid, it only mask the symptoms and will have to be done repeatedly.  From your question, you have been through a lot and have several issues.  Have you ever seen a neuromuscular dentist who is trained in craniocervicular disorders?There may be some ways to help you achieve some stability.  This is not to say 100% correction but perhaps some stability, decreased pain, and decreasing the possibility of further joint degeneration.

Steven E. Rasmussen, MD, FAAD · Answer

Botox can be used to relax the masseter and/or temporalis muscles that can be major contributing factors to TMJ pain. I have several patients who have achieved significant reduction in their pain and discomfort when other therapies have failed.

Amir Moradi, MD · Answer

One of the most common causes of TMJ is hyperactivity of the Masseter and Temporalis muscles. In these cases injection of Botox can be extremely effective. The botox needs to be placed in several spots in the belly of the muscles and the results can be evident even within a week.

Can Botox Be Used to Treat TMJ?

Answers (11)

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