Botox could offer relief if you suffer from jaw pain, difficulty chewing, or temporal headaches. Dr. Frank Henrich offers therapeutic Botox as a treatment option for the discomfort associated with TMD. Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are also commonly referred to as TMJ. Stress or an injury to the joints that connect the skull to the jawbone creates facial pain. Botox therapeutic in Tulsa, OK, reduces this pain and discomfort.
Botox is not just a cosmetic treatment. Strategically placed injections of Botox can relax the jaw and facial muscles. Relaxed muscles improve your range of motion with less pain. If you have headaches due to TMJ dysfunction, Botox injections can reduce their frequency. Our office recommends Botox therapeutic in addition to other TMJ treatments for patients with lasting symptoms.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox, or botulinum toxin, is a neurotoxin. It blocks nerve impulses to muscles in the face to help smooth dynamic wrinkles, or wrinkles that form when you smile or laugh. Botox is a non-surgical, FDA-approved treatment. Many people know Botox for treating crow’s feet and forehead lines by relaxing the muscles in the face.
While many patients receive Botox for face wrinkles, Botox can also treat headaches and facial pain from TMD. Injected into key areas of the face, Botox relaxes muscles and reduces pain that often results when these muscles repeatedly contract and clench.
Patients who receive Botox for TMJ disorders not only benefit from smoother-looking skin but also reduce headaches and pain. Botox treatment is highly customizable. Dr. Henrich will only inject Botox where you feel tension or pain.
Botox offers benefits for patients who want cosmetic or therapeutic treatment:
- Pain relief
- Smoother skin
- Quick treatment times
Botox Therapeutic for TMJ Relief in Tulsa, OK
Dr. Henrich has years of experience treating patients who suffer from temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and associated pain and discomfort. TMD can have a range of underlying causes. Identifying the root cause of dental health problems is the key to a successful, lasting outcome.
Dentists like Dr. Henrich have years of studying anatomy, including the bones and muscles in the face. Like estheticians, dentists can get the same training to become Botox certified.
Malocclusion or tooth misalignment is a common cause of TMD. We can treat crooked teeth with restorative or orthodontic treatment. However, many patients suffer painful symptoms for other reasons, including stress or damage to the jaw joints. In those cases, we may recommend Botox.
Am I a Candidate for Botox?
If you have these TMJ symptoms, Botox may be right for you:
- Pain when opening or closing the mouth
- Morning headaches and migraines
- Jaw clicking or popping
Before Botox, we will ensure you are healthy and a good candidate for treatment. Our office recommends Botox for men and women with persistent facial pain. Patients who have tried other treatments without consistent results are good candidates for Botox.
We do not recommend Botox for patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18, or have nerve and muscle disorders.
What to Expect: Botox Therapeutic in Tulsa, OK
TMJ Botox treatments, like other Botox injections, require preparation and aftercare. Here, we will review what to expect before, during, and after your treatment:
Preparing for Botox
Before Botox treatment, you will visit Dr. Henrich for a consultation. During this visit, he will determine if you are a candidate for Therapeutic Botox.
Dr. Henrich will discuss your dental health concerns and medical history. When pain and discomfort are significant, Botox can often offer relief for most patients. Dr. Henrich may also recommend additional treatments to complement and support the resolution of your TMJ disorder.
Before your injections, we ask that you avoid:
- Fish oil, Vitamin E, and garlic
- Alcohol
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Aspirin or blood thinners
To be safe, avoid these substances a week before treatment. Some substances increase the risk of bruising and inflammation following Botox.
Botox Treatment
To begin Botox treatment. Dr. Henrich will apply a numbing cream so you do not feel pain. Then, he strategically injects Botox directly into the jaw joint area and areas of the forehead as needed.
Dr. Henrich targets the muscles that move the jaw. Tension can build in these muscles due to teeth grinding, jaw clenching, and joint dysfunction. He may also target facial muscles that contribute to headaches. Dr. Henrich bases the amount of Botox units he uses during treatment on your TMJ symptoms.
Botox treatment is quick and painless. It typically takes 10 to 20 minutes to complete Botox treatment in our office. Dr. Henrich will provide full instructions as you heal so you know what to expect.
Post-Treatment
Botox requires little downtime. However, directly after treatment, we ask that you avoid:
- Sun exposure, tanning, or excess heat
- Makeup
- Putting pressure on your face
- Facials and excess skincare
- Exercise for up to a day after treatment
Avoid makeup, exfoliants, and skin treatments right after treatment. Instead, use a gentle cleanser and minimal skincare. After 24 hours, you can resume your normal skincare and makeup routine.
Put on SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin when you go outside. Avoid tanning or staying in direct sunlight directly after Botox injections. Also, avoid sleeping on your stomach or side because pressing your face to the pillow can displace the injections. Instead, sleep on your back with your head elevated. Elevation helps increase blood flow to the treated areas.
Temporary side effects from Botox may include redness, bruising, and swelling at the injection sites. These side effects typically last two to three days. We recommend using a cold compress and pain medication as you heal. Cold compresses will reduce inflammation and swelling.
However, avoid NSAIDs after treatment. Blood thinners will increase your risk of bleeding and bruising.
Botox Therapeutic FAQs
Learn more about Botox therapeutic in Tulsa, OK, dental office with answers to these common questions:
What TMJ symptoms does Botox treat?
Botox can help treat several TMJ symptoms by relaxing the muscles in your jaw. Common symptoms it treats include:
- Jaw pain: Botox helps reduce pain and tension in the jaw muscles.
- Headaches: It can relieve headaches caused by muscle tension in the jaw and face.
- Jaw clenching or teeth grinding (bruxism): Botox can relax the muscles to reduce clenching and grinding.
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth: Botox may improve movement and make it easier to open and close your mouth.
When will I see the results from Botox?
Botox begins to work within 1 to 2 days. If you get Botox for your TMJ disorder, you will begin to notice a change in your facial pain about seven days after treatment.
We will also recommend touch-up treatments as needed. In addition to medication, lifestyle changes, and oral appliances, Botox treatments can help you manage your TMJ symptoms.
How long does therapeutic Botox last?
Therapeutic Botox usually lasts about 3 to 4 months. After that, the effects start to wear off, and you might need another treatment to keep seeing results. The exact length of time can vary from person to person, depending on the condition being treated and how your body responds to the Botox.
How often do I need Botox for TMJ?
The frequency of Botox treatments for TMJ can vary from person to person. Generally, many people need to get Botox every 3 to 6 months. Some might find they need it more often, while others may be able to wait longer between treatments.
After the first treatment, we will help you figure out how often you should come back based on how well the Botox works for you and how long the relief lasts. We also recommend Botox in addition to other TMJ treatment options like nightguards to keep your symptoms in check.
Is therapeutic Botox safe?
Yes, therapeutic Botox is generally safe when given by a trained healthcare professional. It has been used for many years to treat medical conditions like migraines, muscle spasms, and excessive sweating. Most side effects are mild, like pain or swelling at the injection site, and they usually go away quickly. Serious side effects are rare but can happen if the Botox spreads beyond the treatment area. It’s important to talk to your doctor about any concerns before getting the treatment.
Is therapeutic Botox the same as cosmetic Botox?
No, therapeutic Botox and cosmetic Botox are not the same. However, they both use the same active ingredient, botulinum toxin.
Therapeutic Botox can help with issues like chronic migraines, muscle spasms, excessive sweating, and some eye disorders. The goal is to improve health and relieve symptoms. People get cosmetic Botox to reduce wrinkles and fine lines on their face to give them a smoother appearance.
How old do you have to be for Botox therapeutic?
The age requirement for getting therapeutic Botox can vary based on the treated condition and local laws. Generally, therapeutic Botox is approved for use in adults, usually starting around age 18. Anyone considering Botox, especially younger patients, must consult with a qualified healthcare professional. They can help determine if it’s the right treatment and whether the patient is old enough based on their health needs.
Can I still get Botox if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
No, we do not recommend Botox if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. There isn’t enough research to know for sure if Botox is safe during pregnancy or while nursing. To be safe, we advise waiting until after pregnancy and breastfeeding are over before getting Botox treatments.
Contact Our Office
Do you want Botox for your TMJ disorder? Call Dr. Henrich for Botox Therapeutic in Tulsa, OK, today at (918) 553-5907. Schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Henrich online.
Please let us know if you have questions about TMJ therapy at your next visit. We will be happy to help. Dr. Henrich serves Woodfield Estates, Berryhill, Broken Arrow, and the surrounding communities of Tulsa.